From CBS Sports · · 1m 30s
Cale Makar signs largest NHL contract ever
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman inks an eight-year, $163.2 million deal that shatters league records.
In brief
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman inks an eight-year, $163.2 million deal that shatters league records. Cale Makar became the first NHL player to earn over $20 million per year, setting a new standard for star player compensation across the league. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Makar breaks NHL salary record
The Colorado Avalanche signed star defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year extension worth $163.2 million, the richest contract in league history.
“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater”
First player over $20 million
Makar's $20.4 million average annual value makes him the first NHL player to cross the $20 million salary threshold.
Elite defenseman at age 27
At 27, Makar is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL. He's won the Norris Trophy twice and was named Conn Smythe winner after Colorado's Stanley Cup run.
Dominant season from the blue line
Last season Makar posted 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games. Since 2019, he leads all defensemen in goals and points with 507 total.
Salary cap squeeze ahead
The $11.4 million raise kicks in at the 2026-27 season, tightening Colorado's salary cap. The upside is the team now has all core players signed through at least 2031.
New standard for NHL salaries
The previous record was Leo Carlsson's $18 million per year deal. Quinn Hughes of Minnesota is next in line for a massive extension as the best defensemen race heats up.
What to remember
Cale Makar became the first NHL player to earn over $20 million per year, setting a new standard for star player compensation across the league.
