Avalanche’s Cale Makar speaks out after becoming NHL’s highest-paid player

Cale Makar has made NHL history after signing an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The deal carries a record $20.4 million average annual value and begins with the 2027-28 season.

>Makar becomes the NHL’s first player to reach the $20 million AAV mark. His contract surpasses Macklin Celebrini’s previous record of $18.8 million, set with the San Jose Sharks in July.

>“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said, while thanking the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, and the Avalanche organization.

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>He then said, “I would also like to thank my wife and family for their constant support, as well as Scott, Brian and Steve Bartlett for their guidance and assistance.”

>Makar then spoke about the Avalanche fans.

>“To the Avalanche fans, thank you for your continued support and for welcoming us to Colorado years ago,” Makar said. “Colorado has truly become a second home to us, and we are so grateful to be here.”

>The 27-year-old defenseman also made his priorities clear after agreeing to the historic deal. “I look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and continuing to work toward our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City,” he said.

Cale Makar’s contract raises Avalanche expectationsDallas, Texas, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) with teammates including center Nathan MacKinnon (29) at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The contract reflects Makar’s value beyond traditional defensive statistics. He recorded 20 goals and 79 points across 75 games during the 2025-26 regular season.

>Makar also helped Colorado win the Presidents’ Trophy with a franchise-record 121 points. However, the Avalanche were swept by Vegas in the Western Conference Final, leaving another championship question unresolved.

>The extension creates both certainty and pressure. Colorado now has its elite defenseman locked into the core while continuing to compete with Nathan MacKinnon and its veteran leaders.

>The Avalanche have already made major roster changes for 2026-27. They traded Valeri Nichushkin, added Jaden Schwartz, retained Nazem Kadri and acquired young forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux.

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>The record salary will bring greater expectations every season from Makar. His production, playoff impact and leadership must match a contract that now sits alone at the top of the NHL market.

>Makar’s message suggests he understands that responsibility. His focus remains on winning, with the Stanley Cup serving as the clearest measure of whether Colorado’s investment delivers.

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