Avalanche Defenseman Cale Makar signed a new contract that makes him one of the highest paid defenseman in the NHL. (Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
The Colorado Avalanche have inked Defenseman Cale Makar to a new 6-year contract worth $54 Million. That breaks down to $9 Million annually, and by that metric, makes the 22-year-old, one of the 5 highest paid at his position, annually in the NHL. Makar burst onto the scene for Colorado in the playoffs in 2019 just days after finishing his team's run in the NCAA's "Frozen Four." At UMass he led the Minutemen to a loss in he finals, but picked up the Hobey Baker Trophy given to the best player in college hockey.
Makar said in a statement via the team: "I couldn't be more excited knowing I'll be calling Denver home for a least the next six years. "I will do everything in my power to bring a Stanley Cup to the best fans in the NHL. My Avalanche teammates are an amzing group of guys, and I can't thank them enough as they played such a huge part in enabling me to perform at my best.
"I want to extend my appreciation to the Kroenke family, Mr. (Joe) Sakic and Mr. (Chris) McFarland for their long-term confidence and commitment to me. I also want to say thanks to Steve, Brian and Scott of Bartlett Hockey for their guidance and work on this deal. I can't wait to get back to work on October 13th at Ball Arena."
Although the 2019-2020 season was truncated and modified because of Covid-19, Makar still made his presence felt winning the Calder Trophy given to the NHL's rookie of the year. This past season, when the Avs won the President's Cup for the best record in hockey, Makar was one of the 3 nominees to win the Norris Trophy given to the best Defensemen in the league.
In 2 shortened seasons, Makar has scored 94 points, finding the back of the net 20 times, and assisting on 74 goals. In the playoffs he takes it up a notch, as he's in the company of some of the greatest players in the history of the game. In 35 post-season games, the Calgary native has notched 31 points, with 7 goals and 24 assists.
Makar's teammates taking notice of his value to the team, and understandably want to celebrate his new deal, as evidenced by fellow D-Man Devon Toews tweets!