Avs' Cale Makar becomes highest-paid player in NHL history

Field Level Media|published: Fri 28th August, 20:37 2026

May 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) shoots the puck during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar inked an eight-year, $163.2 million contract on Friday, becoming the first player in NHL history to earn more than $20 million per year.

The deal, which begins in the 2027-28 season, will pay the 27-year-old rearguard $20.4 million per year through the 2034-35 campaign.

The Calgary native won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25, as well as the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy for the playoff Most Valuable Player as the Avs captured the Stanley Cup title.

"I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community," Makar said on Friday.

"To the Avalanche fans, thank you for your continued support and for welcoming us to Colorado years ago. Colorado has truly become a second home to us, and we are so grateful to be here. I look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and continuing to work toward our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City."

Makar has scored at least 20 goals in four of the last five years. He led all NHL defensemen in scoring in the 2024-25 season with 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists).

For his career, Makar has 136 goals, 371 assists and 507 points in 470 games, all with Colorado since the 2019-20 campaign.

Makar's contract exceeded the deal that San Jose Sharks' young forward Macklin Celebrini signed in late July. Celebrini inked a five-year, $94 million contract with an AAV of $18.8 million.

Makar played for Team Canada and earned a silver medal at the 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

"Today is an exciting day for the Avalanche organization and our wonderful fans," said Joe Sakic, the Avalanche president of hockey operations/general manager. "Cale is a generational defenseman and his accomplishments speak for themselves.

"He is obviously a tremendous competitor and player but even more so a great person, teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region. We are beyond thrilled to get this deal done and have Cale in an Avalanche sweater for the next decade."

--Field Level Media

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