Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history with an average annual value of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season.
- This deal surpasses the previous record held by Kirill Kaprizov's $136 million extension and sets a new benchmark for defensemen salaries, ahead of players like Macklin Celebrini.
- Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner and 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy MVP, has been a key figure in the Avalanche's success, including their 2022 Stanley Cup victory.
- Avalanche GM Joe Sakic emphasized Makar as a generational talent and confirmed the defenseman will finish his career in Colorado, highlighting the team's commitment by managing salary cap space through recent trades.
- Makar’s younger brother, Taylor, also signed a contract with the Avalanche, and the siblings recently made history by playing together in the same game for Colorado.
