Cale Makar signs record-breaking $163.2 million deal with Avalanche
Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million Avalanche extension worth $20.4M per season. See the term, AAV and Colorado cap impact.
Quick answers
What are the terms of Cale Makar's Avalanche contract?
Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado. The deal carries a $20.4 million average annual value, making it the highest total-value and highest-AAV contract in NHL history when announced.
When does Cale Makar's new contract begin?
Makar's extension begins in the 2027-28 season. The $20.4 million annual cap charge represents an $11.4 million raise and gives Colorado less flexibility, although the Avalanche have secured a central member of their core long term.
Historic contract details
The Colorado Avalanche have locked in star defenseman Cale Makar with a record-breaking eight-year extension valued at $163.2 million. The contract, announced on Friday, is notable for being both the highest in total value and average annual value in NHL history, averaging $20.4 million per year.
Makar’s career achievements
At just 27 years old, Makar is already regarded as one of the best defensemen in NHL history. He has won the Norris Trophy twice and was a crucial figure in the Avalanche’s recent Stanley Cup run, securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
In the 2022-23 season, Makar posted impressive numbers with 20 goals and 59 assists over 75 games. Since entering the league in 2019, he has led all defensemen with 507 points during the regular season, including 136 goals.
Contract implications for the Avalanche
Commencing in the 2027-28 season, Makar’s new deal represents a significant financial commitment for the Avalanche. His $11.4 million raise will impose tighter salary cap constraints rather than personnel adjustments. However, the franchise has managed to secure its core players through at least 2031.
Makar’s thoughts and future prospects
Makar expressed enthusiasm for continuing his career in Colorado, stating, “I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community.” He aims to help the team in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic previously mentioned his confidence in finalizing Makar’s extension prior to the upcoming season. The deal not only solidifies Makar’s status as the highest-paid player but also reflects shifting salary dynamics within the NHL, where emerging stars are commanding substantial contracts.
How to read the contract terms
For a contract search, separate the reported total value, term and average annual value before drawing a conclusion. The total describes the whole agreement, while the average annual value is the figure usually used when readers discuss a cap charge. A change in either the reported term or the start season can change the context, so an article should always be read with its publication date and source rather than as a live cap sheet.
Colorado readers can use the Colorado roster-depth explainer for the lineup checks that matter after a major contract decision, while the NHL news hub provides the latest dated league coverage. Neither page replaces a current club announcement or transaction record.
Reporting for this story draws on CBS Sports NHL, The Hockey News.
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