Cale Makar Becomes NHL's First $20 Million Player with New Contract

Cale Makar has signed a significant eight-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche, making him the first NHL player to achieve a $20 million cap hit. The announcement was made on Friday, with Makar's deal totaling $163.2 million.

The 27-year-old defenseman, who has one year remaining on his previous contract, will see his cap hit more than double after the current deal expires. Makar's new contract surpasses those of other elite players, including Macklin Celebrini and Leo Carlsson, who recently signed deals with cap hits of $18.8 million and $18 million, respectively.

Makar's performance has solidified his status as one of the top defensemen in the league, highlighted by his contributions during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and his two Norris Trophy wins. His new contract also positions him alongside teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have contracts exceeding $10 million per year.