The Colorado Avalanche have taken a monumental step in securing their future by making two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar the highest-paid player in the NHL. On Friday, both Makar and the Avalanche announced the completion of a record-breaking extension that significantly extends his stay in Denver. The newly inked contract spans eight years and is worth a stunning $163.2 million, which translates to an unparalleled average annual value (AAV) of $20.4 million.
Makar's Record-Setting Contract
This deal not only represents a substantial financial commitment from the Avalanche but also cements Makar's status as an elite athlete in hockey. With an AAV surpassing the previous record of $18.8 million set by San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini, Makar's contract emphasizes his value as a cornerstone player for the franchise. According to reports from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and the Denver Gazette's Evan Rawal, the new deal will enable Makar to continue dazzling fans in Colorado through the 2034-35 season, coinciding with his age-35 year.
A Commitment to the Team
Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic previously stated his intention for Makar to "finish his career" with the team, and this extension aligns perfectly with that vision. Having proven himself as an indispensable player, Makar's commitment to Colorado reflects both his ambition and the franchise's confidence in his abilities. Entering his eighth regular season with the Avalanche, Makar has already solidified his legacy by playing a pivotal role in the team's triumph during the 2022 Stanley Cup run.
Performance and Impact
Makar's performance statistics underscore the rationale behind the Avalanche's decision to reward him generously. In the 2025-26 season, he finished as a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing his elite skills on both ends of the ice. Makar concluded the previous season ranked third among Avalanche skaters and NHL defensemen, with an impressive total of 79 points from 20 goals and 59 assists over 75 games. His offensive capabilities extend beyond scoring as he significantly contributes to the team's power play and penalty kill units, with his time on ice ranking him among the top players.
Team Dynamics and Strategy Going Forward
With Makar's extension, the Avalanche are strategically positioned for sustained competitiveness in the NHL. The Avalanche now boast an exciting lineup with both Makar and star forward Nathan MacKinnon under contract for the coming years, a vital component as they aim for additional Stanley Cup victories. Moreover, defenseman Devon Toews is secured through the 2030-31 season, ensuring that Colorado maintains a robust defensive core with elite talents on both the right and left sides of the blue line.
Future Prospects for the Avalanche
The Avalanche are now faced with crucial decisions regarding the defensive pairings as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the league. With recent re-signings of left-side defensemen Brett Kulak and Josh Manson, head coach Jared Bednar has flexibility in constructing effective line combinations. They could opt to keep Makar and Toews together as a pairing or explore new strategic alliances to maximize their defensive depth.
Cale Makar: A Rising Star in the NHL
Having been selected fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Draft, Makar has since risen to prominence as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league. Since his regular-season debut in 2019, no defenseman has outperformed Makar in terms of goals or points—totaling 136 goals and 507 points. His blend of offensive prowess and game-changing abilities solidifies his role as a keystone player for Colorado, reflecting the Avalanche's commitment to securing their brightest talents.
As Cale Makar embarks on this new chapter with a record contract, the Avalanche's aspirations of reclaiming the Stanley Cup look promising. With a formidable roster and Makar leading the charge, Colorado is well-positioned to compete fiercely in the seasons to come.
