The Colorado Avalanche and Cale Makar reached an agreement on a landmark 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 contract details, setting a new record in NHL history, surpassing the previous high of $136 million signed by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild in September 2021. Makar’s extension spans until the 2034-35 season with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in 2027-28, exceeding the contract of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who signed a five-year, $94 million extension.
The historic deal signed by Makar may set a new standard for upcoming extensions for elite players like Connor McDavid from the Edmonton Oilers and Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the following year. Makar expressed his excitement about the extension in a social media video, emphasizing his commitment to the Avalanche and the city of Denver for another nine years.
Makar, aged 27, concluded a remarkable season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finishing as the runner-up to Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Norris Trophy voting for the league’s top defenseman. Makar has won the Norris Trophy twice in his career. His previous contract had a cap hit of $9 million for the last season, following a six-year, $54 million deal signed in 2021. The new deal sets a benchmark for star defensemen Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild and Werenski.
President of hockey operations/general manager Joe Sakic prioritized securing Makar’s long-term services this off-season, affirming Makar’s future with the team. Sakic mentioned that Makar, drafted fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, is expected to be ready for training camp. The team’s salary cap is projected to be $113.5 million by the commencement of Makar’s new contract in 2027-28, with him occupying approximately 18% of the cap space for a team aiming for a championship.
Despite sustaining an upper-body injury during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights, Makar is anticipated to be fully fit for the upcoming season. Sakic, who recently resumed the general manager role, orchestrated various deals to facilitate Makar’s extension, including trading Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets for draft picks. Makar’s exceptional performance includes four 20-goal seasons, making him one of the select few defensemen in NHL history with such accomplishments.
Makar’s pivotal role alongside Nathan MacKinnon and captain Gabriel Landeskog led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022, with Makar securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP. Additionally, Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche, aligning their tenure with the team. Makar expressed gratitude towards Colorado, emphasizing his dedication to pursuing the Stanley Cup alongside his teammates.