The Colorado Avalanche and Cale Makar have reached a significant agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US, solidifying Makar as the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal, confirmed by Makar’s agency Bartlett Hockey, surpasses the previous record set by Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov and will run through the 2034-35 season.
Makar’s new contract, with an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season, eclipses that of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini. This groundbreaking deal sets a new benchmark for elite defensemen, impacting the upcoming negotiations for players like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Makar stated in a social media video shared by the team that he is thrilled to continue his journey with the Avalanche in Denver, hailing it as a historic day. The 27-year-old defenseman had an exceptional season, tallying 20 goals and 59 assists, leading to his second-place finish behind Werenski in the Norris Trophy race for the league’s top defenseman.
President of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic emphasized the importance of securing Makar’s long-term commitment to the team, affirming his belief that Makar will remain in Colorado for the entirety of his career. Drafted fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts, Makar’s new deal sets the stage for a promising future with the Avalanche.
Anticipated to be fully recovered for the upcoming season, Makar’s resilience was evident as he returned from an upper-body injury during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Sakic’s strategic moves, including trading Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets, facilitated the negotiations for Makar’s extension, underscoring the team’s dedication to building a championship-caliber roster.
Recognized as a generational talent, Makar’s accomplishments on the ice have established him as one of the league’s premier defensemen, earning accolades for his exceptional skill and leadership both on and off the ice. With a storied career that includes multiple 20-goal seasons and a Stanley Cup title in 2022, Makar’s impact on the Avalanche franchise extends beyond his on-ice performance.
Noteworthy is the recent signing of Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, to a two-year contract with the Avalanche, marking a unique milestone as the first siblings to play in the same game for the team. Cale Makar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue representing Colorado and reiterated his commitment to pursuing the ultimate goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.