Avs' Makar agrees to largest deal in NHL history

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Cale Makar has agreed to an eight year extension with the Colorado Avalanche that will make him the highest paid player in NHL history.

The deal carries a $20.4 million AAV. He is the first player in league history to make at least $20 million per season. The max a player could make, per percentage of the salary cap, is $20.8 million.

Makar, 27, has been a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman for six consecutive seasons.

He is one of only 14 players to win multiple Norris Trophies, winning the award twice - most recently in 2025.

Makar was entering the final year of his contract which carried a $9 million AAV.

This summer has seen new record breaking contracts in the NHL thanks to a rising salary cap, including massive deals for young centers Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson.

Makar is a centerpiece for the Avalanche, a perennial Stanley Cup contender who won the Presidents Trophy last season.