Cale Makar signs record $163.2 million extension with Avalanche
12 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 12:27 PM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the highest paid player in NHL history. The contract features an annual average value of $20.4 million, surpassing the previous record held by Kirill Kaprizov. Makar is set to enter the final year of his previous contract and was expected to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. This move secures the Avalanche's star defenseman under a long-term deal ahead of the new CBA changes that limit contract lengths to seven years for future deals.
- •Makar becomes the first NHL player with a deal exceeding $20 million AAV.
- •He previously signed a six-year, $54 million extension in July 2021.
- •Makar is entering his eighth NHL season, all with Colorado.
- •He has won two Norris Trophies and helped the Avalanche capture the Stanley Cup.
- 12:27 PMYahoo Sports — Cale Makar signs historic 8-year contract worth $163.2 million
- 12:42 AMYahoo Sports — Cale Makar contract makes him NHL's first $20M man: Why deal is worth it for Avalanche
- 11:17 PMYahoo Sports — Cale Makar’s Record Contract Marks Fourth Landmark NHL Deal in 11 Months
- 10:57 PMESPN — Avs' Makar agrees to largest deal in NHL history
- 10:35 PMYahoo Sports — Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years
- 10:12 PMYahoo Sports — The NHL has a new record contract — again
- 10:10 PMCBS NHL — Avalanche sign star Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history at $163.2 million
- 10:02 PMYahoo Sports — Colorado Avalanche sign Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history
"Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history. The deal was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Makar’s extension is set to be the the richest in NHL history, surpassing eight-year, $136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September.
"“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey here with the Avalanche in this amazing city of Denver,” Makar said in a video posted on social media by the team, calling it a historic day.
"Cale Makar has agreed to an eight year extension with the Avalanche that will make him the highest paid player in NHL history with a $20.4 million AAV.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 12:27 PMCale Makar signs historic 8-year contract worth $163.2 million
A $20.4 million cap hit per year is also record-setting.
- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 12:42 AMCale Makar contract makes him NHL's first $20M man: Why deal is worth it for Avalanche
Cale Makar's contract makes him the NHL's highest-paid player. He's well worth the payout.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 11:17 PMCale Makar’s Record Contract Marks Fourth Landmark NHL Deal in 11 Months
The Colorado defenseman’s $20.4 million AAV smashes Celebrini’s record from July.
- ESPNAug 28, 2026, 10:57 PMAvs' Makar agrees to largest deal in NHL history
Cale Makar has agreed to an eight year extension with the Avalanche that will make him the highest paid player in NHL history with a $20.4 million AAV.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 10:35 PMAvs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey here with the Avalanche in this amazing city of Denver,” Makar said in a video posted on social media by the team, calling it a historic day.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 10:12 PMThe NHL has a new record contract — again
Cale Makar is the new record holder at $20.4 million AAV.
- CBS NHLAug 28, 2026, 10:10 PMAvalanche sign star Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history at $163.2 million
Makar just became the NHL's first $20 million player
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 10:02 PMColorado Avalanche sign Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history
The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to a $163.2 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, his agency said Friday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 9:45 PMAvs defenseman Maker signs $163.2M, 8-year extension, making him highest paid player in NHL history
Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history. The deal was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Makar’s extension is set to be the the richest in NHL history, surpassing eight-year, $136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 9:36 PMCale Makar, Avalanche agree to 8-year, $163.2 million contract extension
Makar is one of 14 NHL players ever to have won multiple Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman.
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