This has been a spending summer in the NHL, and the Colorado Avalanche just broke the bank for star defenseman Cale Makar. On Friday, the team announced that Makar had signed an eight-year extension worth $163.2 million.
The contract is the richest in league history – both in total value and in annual value of $20.4 million a year. Makar is the first player in NHL history to cross the $20 million salary threshold.
At 27 years old, Makar is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL, and will remain in that conversation for quite some time. Makar has already won the Norris Trophy twice, and was a key factor in Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, which ended with him winning the Conn Smyth Trophy.
This past season, Makar posted monster numbers from the blue line yet again with 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games. Since entering the NHL in 2019, Makar leads all defensemen in goals (20) and points (507).
“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the SNOW sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said in a statement. “I want to thank the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic and the entire Avalanche organization for their commitment, faith and trust in me. I also thank my wife and family for their constant support, as well as Scott, Brian and Steve Bartlett for their guidance and support.
“To the Avalanche fans, thank you for your continued support and for welcoming us to Colorado over the years. Colorado has truly become a second home for us, and we are so grateful to be here. I look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and working toward our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.”
In the last three seasons, Makar’s attack has been immense in all three zones. Five-on-five goals posted an expected share of 54.5%, per Natural Stat Trick. With Makar on the ice in these situations, Colorado has outscored their opponents 220-157. In two of the last three seasons, Makar has hit the 90-point mark, and he has 100-point potential for his best.
Makar’s $11.4 million kicks in at the start of the 2026-27 season, and things are significantly tighter for the Avalanche as they navigate the salary cap. The bright side for Colorado – and the key in this deal – is that the team now has every core player signed through at least 2031.
It may seem like a bit of a barrier to shake with the $20.4 million annual average value, but the new thing in the NHL is that the cap is rising exponentially. He previously set the record for the highest salary in NHL history just before this offseason with the Anaheim Ducks signed center Leo Carlsson to a contract worth $ 18 million per year, and the Chicago Blackhawks a reported $75 million extension for Connor Bedard.
The next owner to fall will be an extension for Minnesota Wild Quinn Hughes, who is neck-and-neck with Makar as the best defenders in the world. Waiting until after the Makar deal was announced to sign Hughes could prove to be a mistake for Wild general manager Bill Guerin.