Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have finalized an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US, establishing him as the highest-paid player in NHL history. Bartlett Hockey, Makar’s agency, confirmed the agreement details. This extension surpasses the record set by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov, who signed an eight-year, $136 million extension in September last year. Makar’s contract is slated to run through the 2034-35 season, with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season, surpassing the previous high set by San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini at $18.8 million AAV.
In a social media video shared by the team, Makar expressed his excitement to continue his journey with the Avalanche in Denver and hailed the day as historic. The 27-year-old defenseman, coming off a season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finished second in Norris Trophy voting behind Zach Werenski of Columbus, marking his second win of the award in his career.
General Manager Joe Sakic prioritized securing Makar’s long-term commitment this off-season, reiterating that Makar would remain with the Avalanche for his career. Makar, drafted fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, is expected to be ready for training camp despite sustaining an upper-body injury during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Sakic orchestrated several deals this off-season, including sending Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets for draft picks to free up space for Makar’s extension. The Avalanche’s cap space is projected to be $113.5 million when Makar’s new contract commences, with around 18% allotted to his salary on a team aiming for a Stanley Cup. Makar’s exceptional performance, alongside teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022, where Makar clinched the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP. Additionally, Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, signed a two-year deal with the Avalanche, ensuring the Makar brothers make history by playing together for the team.
