The Colorado Avalanche made History Friday by signing star defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, making it the richest deal in NHL history. The deal carries an average annual value of $20.4 million, making Makar the first player in league history to surpass the $20 million salary threshold. At just 27-years-old, Makar has already established himself as the premier defenseman in the NHL, winning the Norris Trophy twice and capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy during Colorado's Stanley Cup run. This past season, he recorded 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games, continuing his dominance from the blue line. Since entering the NHL in 2019, Makar leads all defensemen with 20 goals and 507 points.

"I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater," Makar said in a statement. "I would like to thank the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic and the entire Avalanche organization for their commitment, trust and belief in me."

Makar's massive $11.4 million raise begins with the 2026-27 season, putting pressure on the Avalanche's salary cap situation. However, the team now has all its core players locked up through at least 2031.

The deal sets a new benchmark in the NHL, surpassing recent mega-contracts like Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV with the Anaheim Ducks and Connor Bedard's $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks.