Cale Makar Signs Record $163.2M Deal

Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche, NHL.com and the Associated Press reported. The AAV is $20.4 million and the deal runs 2027-28 through 2034-35. Makar, 27, becomes the first player in NHL history with a $20 million-plus average annual value. The total value passes Kirill Kaprizov's eight-year, $136 million pact. The AAV also clears Macklin Celebrini's five-year, $94 million deal ($18.8M AAV, July 29).

Last season Makar put up 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, third among defensemen, and finished second in Norris voting to Zach Werenski. He already owns Norris Trophies from 2022 and 2025. It was his third straight 20-goal season, the first by a defenseman since Phil Housley's six-straight run and Al MacInnis in 1992. He joined Bobby Orr as the only players to be Norris finalists at least six times in their first seven seasons.

How big is Cale Makar's Avalanche contract?

Historic on both axes. Richest total. First $20M AAV. NHL.com noted he sits $400,000 under the max AAV, with the cap projected at $113.5 million in 2027-28 per the AP. His current hit is $9 million on the six-year, $54 million deal he signed in 2021. The new CBA drops the max term to seven years around Sept. 15-16, 2026, so this sits among the last eight-year tickets. Quinn Hughes in Minnesota and Werenski now have a new ceiling to chase.

Avalanche and Nordiques defenseman all-time: 136 goals, 371 assists, 507 points in 470 games. He hit point No. 500 in game 467, fourth-fewest among defensemen behind Orr (396), Coffey (422), and Potvin (465). Conn Smythe in the 2022 Cup run. Calder in 2019-20. No. 4 pick in 2017. The resume matched the number.

What the Cale Makar deal means

Joe Sakic said, "Cale is a generational defenseman. We are beyond thrilled to get this deal done and have Cale in an Avalanche sweater for the next decade." Makar told Altitude's Lauren Gardner his intention was always to be an Av, hopefully for life, and that he was happy to finish it before the season. Colorado opens against the Kings at Ball Arena on Sept. 30. Smacktok's other recent NHL board was the Connor Hellebuyck trade request in Winnipeg. Makar's news is the opposite story: a superstar staying put at a record rate.

Search Cale Makar contract and you get $163.2 million, $20.4 million AAV, and a decade in burgundy. The market just moved. Hughes and Werenski can thank him later.

Cale Makar contract FAQ

How much is Cale Makar's new contract? Eight years, $163.2 million, with a $20.4 million AAV beginning in 2027-28, per NHL.com and the AP.

Is Makar the highest-paid NHL player by AAV? Yes. He is the first player with a $20 million-plus AAV, clearing Celebrini's $18.8 million mark.

When does the deal start? 2027-28 through 2034-35. His current $9 million hit from the 2021 deal still covers the near term.