Cale Makar Signs Record $163.2M Contract Extension with Avalanche

The record-setting agreement surpasses the $18.8 million average annual value in the extension signed by San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, according to the source. It also eclipses the $136 million total deal signed by Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov and leaves previous defenseman benchmarks far behind, clearing the $12.5 million average formerly held by Bowen Byram, now with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Cale Makar Contract Terms and Career Milestones

Makar had one year remaining on his previous six-year, $54 million contract before inking the new extension, which runs through the 2034-35 campaign, according to the source. Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic expressed confidence throughout the late-summer discussions, telling NHL.com on Sunday ahead of the announcement that a deal would be finalized prior to training camp. Makar, 27, has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1.

Selected fourth overall by Colorado in the 2017 NHL Draft, Makar holds the franchise record among Colorado and Quebec Nordiques defensemen with 136 goals, 371 assists, and 507 points across 470 regular-season games, according to NHL.com. Last season, he recorded 79 points, including 20 goals and 59 assists, across 75 games, finishing second in Norris Trophy voting behind Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Norris Trophy and Stanley Cup Resume

Makar is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s top defenseman, having claimed the honor in 2022 and 2025. He also captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2019-20 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, posting 29 points in 20 postseason games.

Last season, Makar reached his 500th career point on March 28 during a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, doing so in his 467th game. NHL.com notes that only Orr (396 games), Paul Coffey (422 games), and Denis Potvin (465 games) reached the 500-point milestone faster among defensemen in league history. Makar’s postseason run last year was interrupted by an upper-body injury sustained during the Western Conference Second Round against the Minnesota Wild, causing him to miss the first two games of the West Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Avalanche Outlook for the Upcoming Season

Sakic stated that he expects the Avalanche roster to be fully healthy when training camp opens next month, according to NHL.com. Colorado opens its regular season against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena on September 30, with the broadcast scheduled across HBO Max, truTV, and TNT.