Cale Makar is officially changing the game, signing an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche that slaps a staggering $20.4 million annual average value on the books. This isn’t just a big deal, it’s the *first time* any NHL player has broken the $20 million mark in yearly salary, according to insider Frank Seravalli. Makar, at just 27, is locked in for the long haul, securing his future and setting a mind-blowing new benchmark for the entire league.
The Money, The Clock, and The Future
Think about that for a second: $20.4 million a year. That kind of money makes Makar the undisputed highest-paid player in the NHL annually, and it’s a move the Avalanche clearly had to make now. He was heading into the final year of his previous six-year, $54 million deal, set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Getting this done now means Colorado ensures the deal is for a full eight years. Why is that crucial? Because once the NHL’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement hits on September 15, maximum contract lengths cannot exceed seven years. This timing is huge, protecting both Makar’s security and the Avalanche’s long-term commitment to their superstar defenseman. Makar himself confirmed the deal in an Avalanche video, saying he “couldn’t be more excited” to stay in Colorado. You bet he is!
Absolute Dominance On The Ice
Let’s be real, this isn’t some unproven talent cashing in. Makar has been an absolute force since he broke into the league during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In his seven NHL seasons, all with Colorado, the UMass product has piled up an insane resume. He grabbed the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, been named to the NHL First All-Star Team four times, and snagged two Norris Trophies as the league’s best defenseman. He even played a massive role in the Avalanche winning the 2021-22 Stanley Cup, where he was also crowned postseason MVP. The guy is a machine. He’s one of only two players, Hall of Famer Bobby Orr being the other, to be a finalist for the Norris Trophy at least six times in his first seven seasons. Only 14 players, period, including Makar, have ever won multiple Norris Trophies. It’s a truly elite club, and he’s basically running it.
Setting Records and Redefining Expectations
Makar doesn’t just win awards, he puts up numbers. The Calgary native has hit the 20-goal mark four times and notched 90 points twice in his seven NHL seasons. He’s already the Avalanche’s all-time franchise leader among defensemen in goals with 136, assists with 371, and points with 507. That’s franchise history in the making, and he’s just 27! Beyond the NHL, he’s brought home gold for Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championship and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, plus a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This contract isn’t just about paying for past performance, it’s a bet on sustained, generational dominance. What does this mean for every other top-tier player? The salary ceiling just got a massive crack, and the market is about to go wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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