The Colorado Avalanche have officially announced a blockbuster contract extension with superstar defenseman Cale Makar, a deal that will keep him in Denver through the 2034-35 NHL season. The long-anticipated agreement, valued at $96 million over eight years, makes Makar one of the highest-paid defensemen in league history and reaffirms his status as the central figure in Colorado’s championship ambitions.
Referred to internally as the team’s “only hope and sole blueprint for success,” Makar’s value to the Avalanche extends far beyond statistics. Widely recognized as the best defenseman in the NHL, he is fresh off winning his second Norris Trophy and continues to redefine how the position is played with his elite skating, vision, and offensive instincts.
The Face of the Franchise
General Manager Chris MacFarland and the Avalanche front office made no secret of their intentions this offseason: secure Cale Makar and build everything around him. That vision became reality with this record-setting extension, one that keeps the 26-year-old star as the face of the franchise well into the next decade.
“This is more than just a contract,” MacFarland said during the official announcement. “It’s a commitment to our identity as a team. Cale isn’t just a great player — he’s the Avalanche.”
Roster Moves Aligned With the Extension
Every major move the team made in recent weeks pointed toward clearing cap space and preparing the roster for Makar’s new deal. The team traded Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus, and declined to re-sign Ryan Lindgren, opening up flexibility for the cap-heavy extension.
Additionally, the Avalanche parted ways with veteran defensemen Samuel Girard and Josh Manson — both of whom had been regulars on the blue line. Girard, often the subject of trade speculation, was dealt to a team looking for a puck-moving defender, while Manson’s declining role and $4.5 million cap hit made him a logical piece to move.
The Future Is Makar
Colorado’s draft strategy also mirrored their long-term investment in Makar. The team used two of their top three picks on young defensemen, Francesco Dell’Elce and Linus Funck, to reinforce their future blue line behind their franchise player.
With Makar now officially secured, the Avalanche have made it clear: their competitive window will remain wide open — as long as No. 8 is anchoring the back end.
Fans, teammates, and analysts alike hailed the signing as the defining moment of the team’s offseason. With his game-changing presence, leadership, and loyalty, Cale Makar has become more than a franchise player — he is Colorado’s foundation.
