Cale Makar just became the highest-paid player in NHL history. The Avalanche defenseman signed an eight-year extension worth $20.4 million per year, surpassing every other contract in the league.
This is a massive deal for Colorado. Makar has been the engine of their defense since they drafted him second overall in 2017. He won the Norris Trophy in 2022 as the league's best defenseman, and he's been a playoff force through multiple deep runs. The Avalanche made a Stanley Cup run as recently as 2022, and keeping Makar locked in long-term was non-negotiable.
The money reflects his elite two-way game. He logs heavy minutes in all situations, quarterbacks the power play, and plays shutdown defense when it matters most. At 26 years old, Makar has years of prime hockey ahead of him, which justifies the AAV climbing to $20.4 million.
This contract also signals the Avalanche's commitment to competing now. They're tying up serious cap space for the next eight seasons, betting that Makar remains worth every penny. It's a bold move in a league where long-term deals often backfire, but for a generational talent like Makar, it's a calculated risk the front office is willing to take.