Avalanche commit $163.2M to Makar over eight seasons
The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million. Makar is among a select group of NHL players who have won multiple Norris Trophies as the league's top defenseman. The deal keeps him with the team through the 2034-35 season.
The Colorado Avalanche have secured their franchise cornerstone with a massive eight-year commitment. The $163.2 million extension for Cale Makar represents one of the largest contracts ever awarded to a defenseman in NHL history, reflecting his status as an elite two-way player. The deal will keep the 26-year-old in Colorado through the 2034-35 season.
Makar's resume places him in rarefied air among NHL blueliners. He is part of a select group of players who have captured multiple Norris Trophies, the league's annual honor for its top defenseman. This extension signals the Avalanche's long-term confidence in Makar as the anchor of their defensive core for the next decade.
This contract could reshape how elite defensemen are valued across the NHL, potentially setting a new benchmark for future negotiations. For Avalanche fans, it may provide long-term stability and hope for sustained contention, while the team's salary cap flexibility could be strained. The deal may also influence how young players and agents approach contract discussions, though its broader societal impact remains limited to the sports and business communities.