Colorado Avalanche lock up defense star Cale Makar with record $163.2 million deal
Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history.
An eight-year contract valued at $163.2 million has been finalized between the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Cale Makar, establishing a new salary benchmark in the NHL. The agreement was disclosed by an individual with direct knowledge of the talks, who requested anonymity as the club has not made the contract specifics public. Makar’s deal surpasses the previous record set by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov’s eight-year, $136 million extension signed last September.
In the most recent season, the 27-year-old tallied 20 goals and 59 assists, and he was the runner-up for the Norris Trophy, falling just behind Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski. This marks Makar’s third Norris Trophy win in his career. The contract was reported with contributions from AP hockey writer John Wawrow.
Why it matters
The contract sets a new salary ceiling in the NHL, reshaping future player negotiations.
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