Story perspectives

Avalanche Sign Cale Makar to $163.2M Extension

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension.
The deal’s $20.4 million average annual value makes Makar the NHL’s first $20 million player.
Makar said he wanted the maximum eight-year term before the September 15, 2026 CBA deadline.
Joe Sakic called Makar a generational defenseman, noting the contract secures about 18 % of Colorado’s salary cap.

History

Historical Context

The 2004-05 NHL lockout began on September 16 2004 and forced the league to cancel the entire season on February 16 2005, ending after a 310-day dispute with a July 13 2005 agreement that introduced a $39 million salary cap. That cap, later raised to $70.2 million, now limits contracts such as Colorado’s $163.2 million deal for Cale Makar, whose $20.4 million AAV consumes about 18 % of the $113 million cap, echoing former captain Joe Sakic’s warnings.

1 of 2

Story summary

Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension.
The deal’s $20.4 million average annual value makes Makar the NHL’s first $20 million player.
Makar said he wanted the maximum eight-year term before the September 15, 2026 CBA deadline.
Joe Sakic called Makar a generational defenseman, noting the contract secures about 18 % of Colorado’s salary cap.

1 / 2