The Colorado Avalanche and star defenceman Cale Makar have come to terms on a massive 8 year, $163.2M contract extension which will make him the highest paid player in NHL history.
The deal will feature an average annual value of $20.4M per season, and runs through the end of the 2034-35 campaign. It will come into effect next season and features a full no trade clause. Both sides were eager to get a deal done before the new collective bargaining agreement comes into effect on September 15th, which would limit the maximum term for any new deals to just 7 years.
The 27 year old is coming off another stellar season along Colorado’s blue line, once again being named a finalist for the Norris Trophy for his on ice efforts. Makar registered 79 points (20G, 59A) across 75 games, helping to guide the Avalanche to the best record in the league in 2025-26.
Despite still being a few years away from his 30th birthday, Makar is already the franchise’s all-time leader among defencemen in goals (136), assists (371) and points (507).
The deal comes roughly a month after the San Jose Sharks made Macklin Celebrini the highest paid player in league history, after inking him to a 5 year extension out west. Makar’s new pact makes him the first player to eclipse the $20M plateau in terms of average annual value on a deal.
The Canadian defender will now enjoy a few final days off before the Avalanche formally open their training camp on September 17th. Players are expected to report to the Family Sports Center in Centennial, Colorado on September 16th before kicking off preseason action on the 20th against Utah.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.