Aug. 28 (UPI) — The Colorado Avalanche signed Cale Makar to a $163.2 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history, his agency, Bartlett Hockey, announced Friday.

Makar, who was already under contract for 2026-27, is now tied to the Avalanche through the 2034-35 campaign. His new pact carries an average annual value of $20.4 million.

“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said in a news release. “I would like to thank the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic and the entire Avalanche organization for their commitment, trust and belief in me. I would also like to thank my wife and family for their constant support, as well as Scott, Brian and Steve Bartlett for their guidance and assistance.

“To the Avalanche fans, thank you for your continued support and for welcoming us to Colorado years ago. Colorado has truly become a second home to us, and we are so grateful to be here. I look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates and continuing to work toward our goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.” 

The two-time Norris Trophy winner totaled 20 goals and 59 assists over 75 appearances last season. He logged 136 goals and 371 assists through his first seven seasons. He made 470 appearances for the Avalanche during that span.

Makar, 27, recorded a career-high 92 points, from 30 goals and 62 assists in 2024-25. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft totaled a career-high 69 assists in 2022-23.

“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.

“He is obviously a tremendous competitor and player but even more so a great person, teammate and ambassador for the Avalanche and the Rocky Mountain region. We are beyond thrilled to get this deal done and have Cale in an Avalanche sweater for the next decade.”