Cale Makar just signed an 8-year extension worth a staggering $163.2 million with the Colorado Avalanche. This isn’t just a new contract; it’s the richest deal in NHL history, hands down. We’re talking $20.4 million per year, making Makar the first player ever to hit that insane $20 million annual salary threshold. Think about that for a second.
Makar Is Playing a Different Game
This guy is only 27 years old, and he’s already arguably the best defenseman in the entire league. He’s got two Norris Trophies to his name and was a key factor in Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, even snagging the Conn Smythe Trophy. This past season alone, Makar dropped monster numbers from the blue line, tallying 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games. And get this: since entering the NHL in 2019, Makar leads all defensemen in goals, with 20, and a mind-blowing 507 points. He’s an absolute force in all three zones, too. Over the last three seasons, his five-on-five expected goals share sits at 54.5 percent, and with him on the ice in those situations, Colorado has outscored opponents 220-157. He’s hit the 90-point mark in two of the last three seasons, and seriously, 100-point potential is absolutely there.
The Moneyball Game Just Got Real
So, what does this mean for the Avs? Well, that $11.4 million raise kicks in starting the 2026-27 season, and it’s gonna make navigating the salary cap significantly tighter for Colorado. No sugarcoating it. But here’s the silver lining for Avalanche fans, and it’s a huge one: this deal locks up their core players through at least 2031. That’s a serious commitment to winning, even if it comes with some sticker shock at $20.4 million AAV. The league is changing, too. The cap is rising exponentially. We saw the Anaheim Ducks sign Leo Carlsson for $18 million per year earlier this offseason, and the Blackhawks just extended Connor Bedard for $75 million. This is the new reality.
Makar himself sounds hyped, saying he’s “so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community.” He thanked everyone from the Kroenke family to the fans, calling Colorado a “second home.” He’s ready to get back on the ice and work toward “bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.” For the Avalanche, they’ve made their intentions clear: they’re all in on Makar and their current window. This contract is a statement, plain and simple, and it sets the stage for a wild few years in the NHL as other teams scramble to adjust to this new salary landscape.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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