Cale Makar makes NHL history with $163.2M contract (Credit: Getty Images) Cale Makar has made NHL history with his new contract, and fans quickly reacted to the massive deal. The Colorado Avalanche defenseman signed an eight-year, $163.2 million extension with a $20.4 million average annual value, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history.The contract gives Makar a huge payday and keeps him in Colorado for the long term. But while many fans were happy to see the star defenseman get paid, others immediately started asking what the deal could mean for the Avalanche’s chances of building a strong team around him.
How did fans react to Cale Makar’s record-breaking contract?
Makar’s record-breaking contract quickly drew reactions from fans on social media. Some focused on whether star players can live up to contracts this large, while others could not believe the Avalanche had agreed to a $20.4 million annual cap hit.The Only James Magelk wrote, “I hope all of these guys getting these monster contracts prove they are worth it.”
Fans react to Cale Makar’s $163.2 million contract (Credit: Twitter)
Lily looked at the bigger picture and asked, “Cale Makar just broke the bank, but can the Avalanche build a contender around him now?”Pivot604 felt Makar had earned the money, writing, “$20.4 million. Eight years. That’s a guy getting what he’s worth. Good for him. Good for the league.”raffHELL had a different view of the deal, saying, “That’s not a contract. That’s Colorado saying they’re not building around anyone else.”The contract also brought up comparisons to other recent deals. FerrusAnus wrote, “The stupid Carlsson stunt is costing every team in the league an extra 2-4 million on their top player’s contracts.”IRISH TRAIN (Irish Superfan) reacted to the huge number, writing, “$20.4M a year?! Cale Makar is getting PAID. 🤯🔥”
What did Joe Sakic and Cale Makar say about the new contract?
Avalanche GM Joe Sakic was happy after the team signed Makar to the new deal. Sakic called Makar “a generational defenseman” and said his accomplishments speak for themselves. He also praised Makar as a player, teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region.Makar was equally happy to stay in Colorado. “I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said.He also thanked the Kroenke family, Sakic, the Avalanche organization, his family and the fans for their support. Makar made it clear that his focus remains on helping Colorado win another Stanley Cup.
How does Cale Makar’s new contract add to his NHL legacy?
Makar’s new deal comes after another strong season with the Avalanche. He recorded posted 20 goals, 59 assists and 79 points in 75 games during the 2025-26 season.The defenseman has already won the Norris Trophy twice and has also lifted the Stanley Cup and won the Conn Smythe Trophy. Colorado selected him No. 4 overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, and he has since become one of the team’s most important players.His new $20.4 million cap hit now stands as the highest in the NHL. The Avalanche have made it clear that Makar is a major part of their future, and fans will now watch closely to see what Colorado can build around its highest-paid star.