Cale Makar embraces the pressure of extension with Avs that makes him league’s highest paid player

Cale Makar, the Colorado Avalanche's standout defenseman, has signed an eight-year extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history. The deal, worth $163.2 million, kicks in next season and includes a first annual payment of $205.00 + GST. Makar, who welcomes the pressure that comes with being the league's top earner, said he will push himself even harder as a result.

He is confident that Nathan MacKinnon, his teammate, will continue to earn even more money down the road. Makar's new salary will account for about 18% of the projected salary cap in 2027-28, which also sees MacKinnon and Martin Necas with cap hits of $12.6 million and $11.5 million, respectively. Avalanche executive Joe Sakic downplayed concerns about the team becoming too top-heavy, emphasizing the importance of having superstars like Makar and MacKinnon.

The team's recent playoff run without Makar, who was injured during the first two games, highlighted the importance of having their stars on the ice, according to Sakic.