Avalanche star Cale Makar signs massive new contract
The Denver Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension starting in the 2027-28 season, making it the largest deal in NHL history with a $20.4 million cap hit per year.
- The new contract includes a full no-movement clause and $127.6 million in signing bonuses paid annually on July 1, securing Makar with the Avalanche through 2035.
- Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner and 2022 Stanley Cup champion, has set franchise records for goals (136) and points (507) by a defenseman in 470 regular-season games.
- At 27, Makar has been a Norris finalist six times in seven seasons, joining Bobby Orr as the only players with such consistency early in their careers, and aims to continue pursuing Stanley Cup success in Denver.
- The deal comes amid a changing NHL contract landscape, as the new collective bargaining agreement limits maximum contracts to seven years starting September 16, making Makar’s eight-year extension one of the last of its kind.
