Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have reached an agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US, setting a new record as the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal was officially confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey. Makar’s extension now stands as the most lucrative in NHL history, surpassing the previous eight-year, $136 million extension inked by Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov in September last year. This new contract will keep Makar with the Avalanche through the 2034-35 season.
Starting in the 2027-28 season, Makar’s annual average value of $20.4 million exceeds that of San Jose Sharks’ standout player, Macklin Celebrini, who signed a five-year, $94 million extension in late July, with an average annual value of $18.8 million. The groundbreaking deal for Makar could potentially set a new benchmark as other top players like Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Toronto’s Auston Matthews become eligible for extensions next year.
In a video shared by the team on social media, Makar expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with the Avalanche in Denver, calling it a historic day and looking forward to another nine years of success.
The 27-year-old Makar’s impressive performance in the previous season, tallying 20 goals and 59 assists, earned him a second-place finish in the Norris Trophy voting, recognizing the league’s top defenseman, just behind Zach Werenski of the Columbus team. Makar has been a two-time recipient of this prestigious award during his career.
Having had a cap hit of $9 million for the last season under his previous six-year, $54 million contract signed in 2021, Makar’s new deal now establishes a new standard for fellow top defensemen Quinn Hughes of Minnesota and Werenski.
Preparation for Camp
Securing Makar’s long-term presence was a key focus for the Avalanche’s president of hockey operations and general manager, Joe Sakic, who reiterated his commitment to having Makar continue his career in Colorado. Makar, who was drafted fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, is anticipated to be fully prepared for the upcoming training camp.
When Makar’s new contract kicks in for the 2027-28 season, the salary cap is projected to be $113.5 million, with Makar’s share accounting for approximately 18% of the cap space for the team with aspirations for a championship. Notable players such as left wing Artturi Lehkonen, center Nicolas Roy, and goaltender Scott Wedgewood are set to become free agents after the current season.
Despite sustaining an upper-body injury leading up to the Western Conference final, where the Vegas Golden Knights swept the Avalanche, Makar managed to return for the final two games after missing Games 1 and 2. Sakic has confirmed that Makar is on track for the upcoming training camp.
Amidst a busy off-season, Sakic, who has taken on the role of general manager following Chris MacFarland’s departure to Nashville, orchestrated several deals, including sending Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets in exchange for draft picks to create space for negotiating Makar’s extension.
