Makar Signs $163.2M Deal to Become NHL’s First $20M Per Season Player

Cale Makar has signed a record-breaking eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche that runs through the 2034-35 season.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Cale Makar has solidified his future with the Colorado Avalanche by signing an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension. The deal, which begins next season, establishes the 27-year-old defenseman as the highest-paid player in NHL history with an average annual value of $20.4 million. Makar is the first player in league history to surpass the $20 million per season threshold. During the previous campaign, the two-time Norris Trophy winner recorded 20 goals and 59 assists, marking his fourth career season with at least 20 goals.

Historic Salary Cap Implications

The Cale Makar extension will occupy approximately 18% of the projected salary cap during the 2027-28 season. That year, the Avalanche roster will also feature Nathan MacKinnon with a $12.6 million cap hit and Martin Necas at $11.5 million. Makar predicted at a Monday news conference that his record-setting figure would eventually be surpassed by players like Edmonton’s Connor McDavid or Toronto’s Auston Matthews, both of whom are eligible for new deals next summer. He also joked that MacKinnon might eventually double the current record figure.

Joe Sakic, the Hall of Fame forward and current front-office executive, confirmed the contract includes a full no-movement clause. Sakic noted that there was no hesitation in granting Makar the right to dictate his location for the duration of his career. The executive emphasized that superstars are essential for championship contention, noting that the presence of Makar and MacKinnon creates a specific culture within the dressing room that justifies the top-heavy salary structure.

Impact on Recent Postseason Performance

The value of Makar to the Colorado lineup was highlighted during the recent Western Conference finals sweep at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights. Makar missed the first two games of that series due to an upper-body injury, resulting in a 0-2 deficit for the Avalanche. Although he returned for the final two contests, Sakic observed that the defenseman was clearly not at full strength. The team failed to win a game in the series, illustrating the difficulty of competing without their top defensive asset on the ice.

Reflecting on the 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, Makar’s statistical contributions were vital to the franchise's success. He tallied eight goals and 21 assists during that postseason to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' Most Valuable Player. The core group of Makar, MacKinnon, and captain Gabriel Landeskog remains the nucleus of the team as they enter a championship window focused on redemption.

Long-Term Commitment Through 2035

The new agreement keeps Makar under contract in Colorado through the 2034-35 season. Makar stated that the eight-year term provides necessary clarity regarding the organization's direction. He noted that the pressure of the record-breaking price tag will serve as a catalyst to push his performance further. Having already secured one title, Makar expressed a desire to replicate that experience, stating that his personal expectations for year-in and year-out success align with the external pressure of the new deal.