Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have reached an agreement on an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million USD, establishing Makar as the highest-paid player in NHL history. This historic deal, confirmed by Makar’s agency, Bartlett Hockey, surpasses the previous record set by Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov with an eight-year, $136 million extension signed last year. Makar’s extension will run through the 2034-35 season, boasting an annual average value of $20.4 million starting in 2027-28, surpassing the previous benchmark set by San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini with a five-year, $94 million deal.
The significance of Makar’s contract extends beyond personal achievement, as it sets a new standard that could influence upcoming extensions for top-tier players like Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Toronto’s Auston Matthews. Makar expressed his enthusiasm for the future with the Avalanche in a social media video, emphasizing his commitment to the team and the city of Denver.
A standout performer, 27-year-old Makar concluded the previous season with impressive statistics, including 20 goals and 59 assists. Although he fell short to Zach Werenski in Norris Trophy voting, Makar remains a two-time recipient of the award, showcasing his defensive prowess and contribution to the team’s success. The new contract elevates Makar’s status among elite defensemen, influencing salary negotiations for players like Quinn Hughes and Werenski.
Anticipated to be fully prepared for the upcoming season, Makar’s long-term commitment was a top priority for Joe Sakic, the president of hockey operations/general manager for the Avalanche. Sakic emphasized Makar’s integral role within the team since being drafted in 2017 and highlighted the strategic moves made to facilitate the extension amidst a competitive roster environment.
The financial implications of Makar’s deal are significant, as it aligns with the projected salary cap for the 2027-28 season, where Makar’s contract will account for approximately 18% of the team’s cap space. Despite facing challenges due to injuries during the previous season’s Western Conference final, Makar’s resilience and performance continue to reinforce his value to the team.
In a statement, Sakic praised Makar as a generational talent and expressed the team’s excitement about securing Makar’s services for the next decade. Makar’s exceptional achievements, including multiple 20-goal seasons and reaching his 500th NHL point in record time, underscore his exceptional skill and impact on the team’s success.
Together with key players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, Makar played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP. The recent signing of Makar’s brother, Taylor, further solidifies the Makar family’s connection to the team, highlighting their deep appreciation for Colorado as their second home.
Looking ahead, Makar is eager to return to the ice with his teammates and continue pursuing the ultimate goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.
