Avalanche sign star Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history at $163.2 million

Makar just became the NHL's first $20 million player Aug 28, 2026 at 6:10 pm ET • 2 min read This has been the summer of spending in the NHL, and the Colorado Avalanche just broke the bank for star defenseman Cale Makar. On Friday, the team announced that Makar signed an eight-year extension worth $163.2 million.The contract is the richest in league history -- both in total value and annual value at $20.4 million per year. Makar is the first player in NHL history to cross the $20 million salary threshold.At 27-years old, Makar is arguably the best defensemen in the NHL, and he will remain in that conversation for quite a while. Makar has already won the Norris Trophy twice, and he was a key factor in Colorado's Stanley Cup run, which ended with him winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.This past