Cale Makar Will Sign Eight-Year Extension
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman has reportedly agreed to a new contract worth $163.2 million.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey
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Cale Makar will secure a new eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche starting in the 2027-28 season. The deal is valued at a total of $163.2 million.
Why it matters
This agreement signals the Colorado Avalanche organization's long-term commitment to maintaining Cale Makar's elite defensive impact on the team. By locking in their star player, the club secures a cornerstone for their defensive strategy through the 2034-35 season.
The new contract extension carries an average annual value of $20.4 million, which is more than double the $9 million average annual value of his previous 2021 deal. The total valuation of the extension is $163.2 million.
The players
Cale Makar
Cale Makar is an elite professional hockey defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who is known for his offensive capabilities from the blue line.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional hockey team based in Denver that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Makar, who was selected fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, has been a central figure in the Avalanche's success, including their 2022 Stanley Cup win. Beyond his team salary, he holds endorsement partnerships with major brands such as Bauer Hockey, CCM, Red Bull, Under Armour, and Adidas.
Timeline
The Avalanche selected Cale Makar fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.
Makar signed a six-year, $54 million contract in July 2021.
The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
The new contract extension is scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 season.
The extension commitment concludes following the 2034-35 season.
Season Trajectory
This massive extension ensures the Colorado Avalanche maintain their status as a perennial contender in the Western Conference by securing a generational talent. The long-term nature of this deal suggests the franchise is prioritizing roster stability to build on the success of their 2022 championship run.
The extension's $20.4 million average annual value will significantly impact the team's salary-cap accounting starting in the 2027-28 season. This long-term commitment will dictate the financial flexibility the organization has to build the roster around their core defensive leader.
The takeaway
Securing long-term star talent is a primary goal for teams looking to remain competitive in the modern NHL salary-cap era. Fans can view this deal as a clear indicator of the team's ongoing strategy to center their future success around established core players.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments, visit Denver Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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