Avalanche's Makar agrees to record deal worth $20.4 annually - ESPN

Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche that will make him the highest-paid player in NHL history.

The deal carries a $20.4 million average annual value. He is the first player in league history to make at least $20 million per season. The max a player could make, per percentage of the salary cap, is $20.8 million.

Makar, 27, has been a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman for six consecutive seasons.

He is one of only 14 players to win multiple Norris Trophies, winning the award twice — most recently in 2025.

Makar was entering the final year of his contract, which carried a $9 million AAV.

This summer has seen record-breaking contracts in the NHL thanks to a rising salary cap, including massive deals for young centers Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson.

Makar is a centerpiece for the Avalanche, perennial Stanley Cup contenders who won the Presidents' Trophy last season.