Avalanche sign Makar to record $20.4M AAV extension
Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $20.4 million AAV extension with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal was widely praised as a bargain for the two-time Norris Trophy winner. Analysts note that even at that price, Makar's impact justifies the contract.
Makar's eight-year commitment carries a $20.4 million average annual value, surpassing all previous NHL benchmarks and making him the league's first $20 million player. The 27-year-old defenseman has claimed two Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe, a Stanley Cup, and a Calder Trophy across his career, with six consecutive Norris finalist appearances.
The deal's structure anticipates significant salary cap growth, potentially reaching $160 million by 2031-32, which would reduce Makar's cap percentage to under 13 percent. Comparable contracts signed recently—including Bowen Byram's $12 million AAV and Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV—helped set the market context for this historic agreement.
This contract could reshape NHL salary expectations league-wide, signaling that elite players can now command $20 million annually. Younger stars may use Makar's deal as a benchmark in future negotiations, potentially accelerating the gap between top-tier talent and mid-level players. For fans, it may raise ticket and merchandise costs as teams manage larger payrolls, though the Avalanche's commitment to retaining a generational defenseman could strengthen their championship window and maintain regional interest in the sport.