Cale Makar signs record $163.2 million extension with Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar has signed an eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche worth $163.2 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $20.4 million, makes the 27-year-old defenseman the highest-paid player in NHL history, surpassing the previous record set by Kirill Kaprizov.

The extension is set to begin in the 2027-28 NHL season. Makar, a former Conn Smythe and James Norris Trophy winner, is widely regarded as a premier defenseman in the league. The massive commitment follows a season where the Avalanche's playoff run was hampered by injuries to both Makar and Nathan MacKinnon.

Regarding his health, Makar provided an update on an upper-body injury sustained during the postseason. He expressed confidence in his recovery process and expects to be fully healthy and ready for the upcoming training camp.