{
  "id": 4047011,
  "title": "Avs defenseman Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history at $163.2 million over 8 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/avs-defenseman-cale-makar-signs-richest-deal-in-nhl-history-at-163-2",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T22:35:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/avs-defenseman-cale-makar-signs-223511249.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "DENVER— In a landmark deal, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract, cementing his position as the highest-paid player in NHL history. The agreement, confirmed by Makar's agency, Bartlett Hockey, tops the previous record set by Minnesota forward Kirill Kaprizov last September. With an annual average value (AAV) of $20.4 million beginning in the 2027-28 season, Makar's deal extends through the 2034-35 season. The 27-year-old Makar, who had 20 goals and 59 assists last season, expressed his excitement about continuing his career with the Avalanche in Denver. The deal also sets the benchmark for fellow defensemen Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski. Negotiating the extension was a top priority for Avalanche president of hockey operations/general manager Joe Sakic, who aimed to secure Makar's long-term services.",
  "summary": "“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey here with the Avalanche in this amazing city of Denver,” Makar said in a video posted on social media by the team, calling it a historic day.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Avs defenseman Makar signs $163.2M, 8-year extension, making him highest paid player in NHL history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/avs-defenseman-makar-signs-163-2m-8-year-extension-making-him-highest",
        "published": "2026-08-28T21:53:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Toronto Sun",
        "title": "Why Cale Makar became the NHL’s highest paid player – for now",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/why-cale-makar-became-the-nhls-highest-paid-player-for-now",
        "published": "2026-08-28T23:38:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}