Image Source: NHL.com
Cale Makar is staying in Denver for the long haul. The Colorado Avalanche announced on August 28, 2026, that the star defenseman has signed an eight-year contract extension that will keep him under contract through the 2034-35 season.
Makar still has one year remaining on the six-year agreement he signed on July 24, 2021. The new deal ensures that Colorado’s franchise cornerstone will remain a central part of the team’s championship ambitions for nearly the next decade.
Cale Makar Secures a Powerful Long-Term Future
“Today is an exciting day for the Avalanche organization and our wonderful fans,” Avalanche President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic said. “Cale is a generational defenseman and his accomplishments speak for themselves.”
Sakic also praised Makar’s competitiveness, leadership and character, describing him as an outstanding teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region.
Makar expressed similar excitement about continuing his career in Colorado. He thanked the Kroenke family, Sakic, the Avalanche organization, his wife and family, and his representatives for their support.
“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said. He added that Colorado has become a second home and that he remains focused on bringing another Stanley Cup to the Mile High City.
A Historic Resume Continues to Grow
Selected fourth overall by Colorado in the 2017 NHL Draft, Makar has already built one of the most impressive résumés in modern hockey. He is a Stanley Cup champion, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, a Conn Smythe Trophy recipient and a Calder Memorial Trophy winner.
- Stanley Cup champion with Colorado in 2022
- Norris Trophy winner in 2021-22 and 2024-25
- Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2022
- Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 2019-20
- Four-time NHL First All-Star Team selection
At 27, Makar has recorded 507 points, including 136 goals and 371 assists, in 470 regular-season games. He is one of only three defensemen in NHL history to average at least one point per game over a career, joining Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey.
He is also the all-time franchise leader among Avalanche defensemen in goals, assists, points, game-winning goals, power-play goals and several multi-point categories. His production has made him one of the most dangerous offensive defensemen in the league.
Elite 2025-26 Season Reinforces Avalanche Decision
Makar’s extension follows another outstanding campaign. During the 2025-26 season, he led Colorado’s defense with 79 points, 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games. His point total ranked third among NHL defensemen, while his 20 goals placed him sixth at the position.
The achievement marked Makar’s third consecutive 20-goal season and fourth overall. He became the first defenseman to post three straight 20-goal campaigns since Phil Housley and Al MacInnis accomplished the feat more than three decades ago.
Makar also averaged 24:51 of ice time per game, leading the Avalanche and ranking eighth across the NHL. He finished as a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth time in his first seven full seasons, matching a rare early-career milestone previously reached by Orr.
Playoff Excellence Makes the Contract Even More Significant
Makar’s influence extends beyond the regular season. He has produced 90 points in 90 Stanley Cup Playoff games, placing him among the most productive defensemen in postseason history.
His 26 playoff goals are the most among active NHL defensemen. During Colorado’s 2022 championship run, he recorded 29 points and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.
That season, Makar became one of only three players in NHL history to win the Calder Trophy, Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy during a career, joining Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch.
The Avalanche now have their elite defensive leader secured through 2034-35. With Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and other key contributors forming the foundation, Colorado’s path toward another Stanley Cup remains as ambitious as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cale Makar’s new contract?
Cale Makar signed an eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche that runs through the 2034-35 season.
How old is Cale Makar?
Makar is 27 years old as of the announcement on August 28, 2026.
What major awards has Cale Makar won?
Makar has won the Stanley Cup, two Norris Trophies, the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Calder Memorial Trophy.
How many points did Makar record in 2025-26?
He recorded 79 points, including 20 goals and 59 assists, in 75 regular-season games.
