Cale Makar has reached a groundbreaking agreement with the Colorado Avalanche, securing an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million US. This deal sets a new record as the most lucrative in NHL history. Makar’s agency, Bartlett Hockey, has officially confirmed the terms of the agreement, which surpasses the previous record set by Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov with an eight-year, $136 million extension last year. The contract will keep Makar with the Avalanche through the 2034-35 season.
With an annual average value of $20.4 million set to kick in during the 2027-28 season, Makar’s deal exceeds the recent five-year, $94 million extension signed by San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, which carries an $18.8 million average annual value. This historic deal for Makar could potentially raise the bar even further with other notable players like Connor McDavid from Edmonton and Auston Matthews from Toronto eligible for extensions next year.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Makar stated in a social media video released by the team that he is thrilled to continue his journey with the Avalanche in Denver, describing it as a momentous occasion. Makar, aged 27, is coming off a remarkable season with 20 goals and 59 assists, finishing as the runner-up to Zach Werenski of Columbus for the Norris Trophy, an accolade presented to the league’s top defenseman. Makar has claimed this award twice during his career.
Following a successful season, Makar’s cap hit for the previous year was $9 million after signing a six-year, $54 million contract in 2021. This new extension now establishes a benchmark for star defensemen such as Quinn Hughes from Minnesota and Werenski. President of hockey operations/general manager Joe Sakic emphasized the importance of securing Makar’s services long-term this off-season, affirming that Makar would be a cornerstone player for the Avalanche. The team initially drafted Makar fourth overall in 2017 from the University of Massachusetts.
Looking ahead, the NHL salary cap is projected to be $113.5 million in 2027-28 when Makar’s new contract takes effect. Despite the significant financial commitment to Makar, who will occupy approximately 18% of the team’s cap space, the Avalanche continue to maintain a roster geared for a Stanley Cup challenge. Makar, who faced injury concerns during the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights last season, is expected to be fully prepared for the upcoming training camp according to Sakic.
In a strategic move to accommodate Makar’s extension, Sakic orchestrated several deals during the busy off-season, including the trade of Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets for draft picks. Sakic praised Makar as a generational defenseman, highlighting his exceptional skills and character both on and off the ice. Makar’s exceptional career statistics include four 20-goal seasons, a milestone achieved by only a dozen defensemen in NHL history. He also reached his 500th NHL point in his 467th game, making him the fourth-fastest defenseman to achieve this feat.
The trio of Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022. Makar’s standout performance during the championship run, with eight goals and 29 points, earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP. Additionally, Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, recently signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche, extending their unique distinction as the first siblings to compete in the same game for the team.
Expressing gratitude for the support from Colorado, Cale Makar expressed his eagerness to hit the ice with his teammates and strive towards the shared goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Denver.
