Makar signs record 8-year, $163.2 million contract with Avalanche, worth $20.4M annually

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, 27, signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract on Friday, making him the first player in NHL history to have an average annual value of at least $20 million ($20.4M AAV). The deal surpasses the previous record set by Macklin Celebrini's five-year, $94 million contract ($18.8M AAV) with the San Jose Sharks signed on July 29. Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, expressed his intention to remain an Avalanche for life, with the contract set to begin next season.