Hockey players are earning substantial contracts this summer, and Cale Makar has become the highest-paid player in the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche recently secured a contract extension with Makar, the two-time Norris Trophy winner.
The deal is for eight years, worth $163.2 million. This translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $20.4 million, setting a new NHL record.
Makar’s contract surpasses the previous record set by Macklin Celebrini of the Sharks, who signed an extension this summer. Celebrini’s five-year, $94 million contract carries an AAV of $18.8 million, starting in the 2027-28 season.
The trend of increasing salaries aligns with the league’s rising salary cap. The question remains whether allocating such a large portion of a team’s payroll to one player is wise. For Makar, the consensus is affirming. His skill as both a puck-moving and defensive playmaker makes him indispensable.
Makar boasts impressive statistics: 507 points, including 136 goals and 371 assists, in 470 games. His long-term signing was an essential move for Colorado’s management.
He also leads the Avalanche’s top power-play unit. Despite the team’s 20th place in league rankings for power-play percentage last season, Makar’s role remains crucial.
With Makar’s significant salary, expectations are heightened. He has already helped the Avalanche win a Stanley Cup. The team is now expected to consistently contend and pursue another championship.
Stephen A. Smith Discusses Houston Texans’ Critical Matchup Against Dallas Cowboys 
CC Sabathia Anticipates Yankees’ Game 1 Pitcher for ALDS After Beating Red Sox 
Atlanta Dream Progress to WNBA Semifinals 
Los Angeles Lakers Focus on Defense in Luka Doncic Era 
Los Angeles Chargers Face Criticism Amid Team’s Poor Start 
White Sox’s Pope Hat Promotion Shines Amid Playoff Push