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

Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a $163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history

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 co

The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to a $163.2 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, his agency said Friday.

Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a US$163.2 million, eight-year extension on Friday that will make him the highest paid player in league history.

Avs defenseman Makar signs $163.2M, 8-year extension, making him highest paid player in NHL history  Toronto Star

At 27, Makar is already one of the most decorated players in franchise history, twice winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.