Home/Articles/NHL
NHL·BREAKING·August 28, 2026 06:13 PM ET

Avalanche give Makar eight years, record $163.2 million

The $20.4M AAV is the NHL's first above $20 million.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 281 min read
Post on X

What happened: The agreement begins after the final season of his six-year, $54 million contract and runs through 2034-35. Cale Makar's annual cap hit will rise from $9 million to $20.4 million.

Why it matters: Makar moves the league benchmark $1.6 million above Macklin Celebrini's $18.8 million AAV. His cap hit is also 63.2% higher than Bowen Byram's previous $12.5 million high for a defenseman.

By the numbers: Makar's AAV rises 126.7% under the extension. He has 507 points in 470 regular-season games and 90 points in 90 playoff games.

What to watch: Colorado must now build its 2027-28 roster around a $20.4 million cap charge.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NHLBreakingColorado AvalancheCale MakarMacklin Celebrini
Follow NHL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportPuck
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report