The Colorado Avalanche and Barlett Hockey announced they have signed defenseman Cale Makar to a historic eight-year, $163.2 million extension. When the new contract kicks in on July 1, 2027, Makar will have an AAV of $20.4 million.
Cale Makar signs an 8 year deal $163.2 million deal. $20.4 million AAV
As mentioned this morning it felt the deal would get done today.
Highest paid player in the NHL. #goavsgo
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) August 28, 2026
Makar becomes the first $20 million man in NHL history. His $20.4 million AAV is $400k less than the allowable 20 percent, or $20.8 million, of the salary cap.
$127.6M of Cale Makar’s $163.2 M contract in signing bonuses (78%).
A full NMC throughout and an 8- year contract.
Of note, this contract would not have been possible after September 15 due to years (8) and SB total (>60%).
Beautifully structured by @BartlettHockey & the Avs.
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) August 28, 2026
NHL Rumors: How Much Will Cale Makar Get on His Next Contract?
As it was noted above Makar will get $127.6 million of the $163.2 million in signing bonus money.
The #GoAvsGo Cale Makar 8 year $20.4M Cap Hit Extension
Yr 1-3 $4M Base & 16.8M Signing Bonus
Yr 4 $12.8M & $8M SB
Yr 5 $4M & $16.8M SB
Yr 6 $3M & $16.8M SB
Yr 7 $2.8M & $16.8M SB
Yr 8 $1M & $18.8M SBNo Move Clause
Rep’d by @BartlettHockey
The $20.4M Cap Hit is just short…
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) August 28, 2026
Reports circulated on Thursday that a deal between the Avalanche and Makar was close. This came several days after President and GM Joe Sakic told the media ahead of the alumni game that he was pretty confident he would get a deal done with Cale Makar. He was worried about the September 15th deadline.
Remember, come September 16th, the CBA states the max term for a player to stay with his own team is seven years. Well, the Avalanche got what they wanted: an eight-year deal, while Makar got the money he wanted.
No Need to Panic About Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar Yet
Many thought Thursday would be the day a deal got done. However, there was a strong belief it would happen Friday during an appearance on TSN Radio in Montreal, when asked when a deal could be done between the Avalanche and Makar.
?Night Cap Recap ?
Cale Makar Said Show Me the Money
Makar Signs Historic Contract Extension #goavsgo @TSN690 pic.twitter.com/sh4yBVea7Q
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) August 28, 2026
In an ever changing salary cap world, Cale Makar decided it was best for him to commit to long term instead of following the trend of star players looking to cash in multiple times.
Deserved, massive payday for the world’s No, 1 D. But the Avalanche get some concession on getting the eight years. Most superstars looking for shorter deals now. Makar will get paid but the team is thrilled to get him for 8 years. Fair deal all around.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) August 28, 2026
As the numbers show Cale Makar is worth every penny.
Cale Makar signs the richest deal in NHL history and becomes the league’s first $20M man. And he’s worth every single penny. pic.twitter.com/3nfqPANTHD
— dom ? (@domluszczyszyn) August 28, 2026
Now everyone awaits what Quinn Hughes signs. But the market has been rest for defensemen to come.
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