Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal, confirmed by his agency, Bartlett Hockey, runs through the 2034-35 season and carries an average annual value of $20.4 million starting in 2027-28. This surpasses the previous record held by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov, who signed a $136 million extension last September. Joe Sakic, the Avalanche's president of hockey operations and general manager, praised Makar as a "generational defenseman" and a great ambassador for the organization. Makar, 27, was drafted by Colorado in 2017 and played a pivotal role in the team's 2022 Stanley Cup victory, where he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Last season, he recorded 20 goals and 59 assists, continuing his status as a two-time Norris Trophy winner.