Colorado Avalanche Re-Sign Cale Makar to 6-year deal

Igor Burdetskiy July 24, 2021

1 1 minute read

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed their star defenseman to a 6-year contract worth $54 million ($9 M/AAV)

Cale Makar re-signs with the Avs, six years at a $9 M AAV@TSNHockey @TheAthletic

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 24, 2021

Makar wasted no time making an impression in the NHL.

One day after signing an entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche and three days after winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top men’s player in NCAA ice hockey, the defenseman stepped into the Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 15, 2019, and delivered.

Makar took the puck into the offensive zone and beat goalie Mike Smith at 16:02 of the first period to give the Avalanche a three-goal lead against the Calgary Flames in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round. It was the game-winner in a 6-2 victory that helped the Avalanche take the series in five games against the team with the best record in the Western Conference. It was their first playoff series victory in 11 years. He became the seventh player and first defenseman to score a playoff goal in his NHL debut.

Makar also had an assist in Colorado’s 5-1 win in Game 5, giving him two points and a plus-4 rating in his first three NHL games.

He followed that by winning the Calder Trophy as the top rookie in the NHL in 2019-20 after finishing with 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) in 57 games. Makar also scored 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The Calgary native committed to playing at the University of Massachusetts in 2015, two years before the Avalanche selected him No. 4 in the 2017 NHL Draft. He honored the commitment to Massachusetts for the 2017-18 season and quickly became one of the best defensemen in the NCAA, finishing with 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) and a plus-9 rating in 34 games; he also helped Canada win the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Makar came back for his sophomore season in 2018-19 and was even better, finishing with 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 41 games and powering Massachusetts to the Frozen Four for the first time, though the Minutemen lost 3-0 to Minnesota Duluth in the title game.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!