The Colorado Avalanche signed superstar defenseman Cale Makar to a record-breaking eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, Makar's agency announced on Friday. With an average annual value of $20.4 million, the deal makes the 27-year-old the highest-paid player in NHL history. He is the first player in the league's history to sign a contract with an average annual value more than $20 million.
He is obviously a tremendous competitor and player but even more so a great person, teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region. We are beyond thrilled to get this deal done and have Cale in an Avalanche sweater for the next decade.” Makar is currently entering the final season of his six-year contract that is worth $9 million annually. The Avalanche's lucrative deal with Makar is no surprise, as he is one of the best players in NHL history.
He was the NHL Rookie of the Year in 2020 and won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the NHL's top defenseman in 2022 and 2025. Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist in each of the last six seasons, finishing as the runner-up in 2021, 2026 and winning the award in 2022 and 2025. He also led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup championship in 2022 and was crowned the Most Valuable Player of that playoff run.
Last season, Makar recorded 20 goals and 79 points in 75 games with Colorado. Two seasons ago, Makar became the first defenseman since Mike Green in 2008-09 to score 30 goals in a season. Makar's new contract will span through the 2034-35 season.
I would also like to thank my wife and family for their constant support, as well as Scott, Brian and Steve Bartlett for their guidance and assistance. Colorado has truly become a second home to us, and we are so grateful to be here. I look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and continuing to work toward our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.”
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