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. Makar 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 average annual value.
The deal carries a full no-movement clause, according to sources. The eight-year term carries significance because when the new collective bargaining rules kick in Sept. 15, players will be able to sign for a maximum of only seven years.
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.