Makar signs richest contract in NHL history with Colorado

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has signed a new contract that has become the most valuable individual deal in National Hockey League (NHL) history. The 27-year-old agreed to an eight-year deal worth a total of $163.2 million.

The agreement will take effect in the 2027/2028 season. Under its terms, Makar will earn an average of $20.4 million per year, the highest average annual salary in NHL history.

Previous records surpassed

Until now, the most valuable NHL contract belonged to Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, who signed an eight-year, $136 million deal last year. The record for highest average annual salary previously belonged to San Jose Sharks player Macklin Celebrini, at $18.8 million per season. Makar's new contract surpasses both of these figures.

However, observers note these numbers could change as soon as next summer, when Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews become eligible to extend their contracts. Both players have the potential to set new financial records.

Makar's performance last season

In the previous NHL season, Makar played 75 games, scoring 20 goals and adding 59 assists. He has already proven his value to the team — in 2022, alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, he helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup, and he was named the tournament's most valuable player.