Makar's record 8-year, $163.2 million contract a necessity for Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have signed star defenseman Cale Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract ($20.4 million AAV), the richest deal in NHL history, set to begin next season in 2027-28. The contract, announced Friday, means Colorado's top three players — Makar, Martin Necas, and Nathan MacKinnon — will account for $44.5 million annually, representing 39.2% of the projected salary cap. President of hockey operations Joe Sakic defended the spending strategy, stating 'you can't win without superstars.'