Cale Makar Sets NHL Salary Record with Massive Avalanche Extension
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The Colorado Avalanche signed star defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year deal worth $163.2 million, making him the first player to exceed a $20 million annual salary.
As CBS Sports first reported, the Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year contract extension valued at $163.2 million. The deal establishes a new league record for both total and annual value, with Makar becoming the first player in NHL history to surpass the $20 million per year threshold at $20.4 million annually.
Reporting from CBS Sports notes that Makar, 27, has won the Norris Trophy twice and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Since his 2019 debut, he has led all NHL defensemen in points (507) and goals. In 75 games last season, he recorded 59 assists and 20 goals. Natural Stat Trick data cited by CBS Sports shows Makar has a 54.5% five-on-five expected goals share over the last three seasons, during which Colorado outscored opponents 220-157 when he was on the ice.
While the $11.4 million raise begins in the 2026-27 season and will tighten the Avalanche's salary cap constraints, the team has now secured its core players through at least 2031. Makar credited the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, and the Avalanche organization for their trust in a statement.
This deal follows other significant spending this summer, including the Anaheim Ducks signing center Leo Carlsson to an $18 million per year contract and the Chicago Blackhawks announcing a $75 million extension for Connor Bedard, per CBS Sports. The ripple effect now extends to the Minnesota Wild, where general manager Bill Guerin must navigate an extension for defenseman Quinn Hughes.