Avalanche's Makar agrees to record deal worth $20.4 annually

Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche that will make him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal carries a $20.4 million average annual value, making Makar the first player in league history to make at least $20 million per season.

The max a player could make, per percentage of the salary cap, is $20.8 million. Makar was entering the final year of his contract, which carried a $9 million AAV.

Makar, 27, has been a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman for six consecutive seasons. He is one of only 14 players to win multiple Norris Trophies, winning the award twice, most recently in 2025.

This summer has seen record-breaking contracts in the NHL thanks to a rising salary cap, including massive deals for young centers Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson. Makar is a centerpiece for the Avalanche, perennial Stanley Cup contenders who won the Presidents' Trophy last season.