Colorado Avalanche sign Cale Makar to largest contract in NHL history

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar skates with the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, March 6, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

DENVER — 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.

Makar’s extension is set to be the the richest in NHL history, surpassing eight-year, US$136 million extension signed by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September.

The 27-year-old Makar is coming off a season in which he had 20 goals and 59 assists. He finished second to Zach Werenski of Columbus in the Norris Trophy voting, an award that goes to the league’s top defenceman. Makar has won the award twice over his career.

Pat Graham, The Associated Press