Avalanche Sign Cale Makar to Richest Contract in NHL History

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche signed star defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million on Friday, the largest deal in National Hockey League history.

The contract carries an average annual value of $20.4 million, making Makar the first player in league history to surpass the $20 million mark in yearly salary. It is the richest NHL contract in both total value and annual value.

Among the League’s Elite

Makar, 27, is widely regarded as one of the best defensemen in the world. He has won the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman, twice, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff most valuable player during Colorado’s run to the Stanley Cup.

Last season, Makar recorded 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games. Since entering the league in 2019, he leads all defensemen in points, according to CBS Sports.

Makar Thanks Fans and Team

In a statement, Makar said he was excited and humbled to continue wearing the Avalanche sweater. He thanked the Kroenke family, which owns the team, Avalanche executive Joe Sakic and the organization for their trust, as well as his wife and family and his representatives.

He also thanked fans for welcoming him and said Colorado had become a second home for his family.

A Summer of Spending

The extension caps an offseason marked by big spending across the NHL, as rising league revenues and an increasing salary cap have allowed teams to commit more money to their top players. CBS Sports described the period as a summer of spending in the NHL, with Colorado’s commitment to Makar the most expensive of all.

For the Avalanche, locking in Makar provides long-term stability around a core that has made Colorado one of the league’s perennial contenders. The team won the Stanley Cup in 2022, with Makar earning playoff MVP honors.

Defensemen in Demand

Elite offensive defensemen have become increasingly valuable as teams emphasize puck movement and transition play. Makar’s skating, playmaking and scoring ability have made him a centerpiece of Colorado’s system and a regular contender for individual awards.

Makar was drafted fourth overall by Colorado in 2017 and made his NHL debut in the 2019 playoffs, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic players. He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2020.

The new contract takes effect after his current deal expires and will keep him under contract with Colorado well into his 30s, a rare long-term commitment that reflects the franchise’s confidence that he will remain among the game’s top players for years to come.