Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million, making him the highest-paid player in National Hockey League history. The deal, announced Friday, carries an average annual value of $20.4 million and begins with the 2027-28 season, extending his tenure with the Avalanche through the 2034-35 season.
Makar, still only 27, has already amassed a notable resume, including two Norris Trophies and a Conn Smythe Trophy, and was instrumental in the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup victory. He currently has one season remaining on his previous six-year, $54 million contract signed in 2021.
The new extension cements Makar's status as a franchise cornerstone. He has recorded 507 points in 470 career regular-season games and holds the franchise record for defensemen in goals, assists, and points. Last season, he finished second in Norris Trophy voting with 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games.
Makar expressed his excitement about continuing his career in Colorado. "I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community," he stated.
This contract marks the latest record set in NHL salaries. In September 2025, Kirill Kaprizov signed a deal with an $17 million average annual value. More recently, Leo Carlsson's contract averaged $18 million per year, and Macklin Celebrini's deal reached an $18.8 million average annual value just weeks later.