India, Aug. 29 -- Cale Makar has committed his future to the Colorado Avalanche, agreeing to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension. The deal, which kicks in during the 2027-28 season, carries a record $20.4 million average annual value through 2034-35, making the 27-year-old defenseman the first player in NHL history to surpass the $20 million mark annually.

The extension also comes just before the NHL's contract-length rules change, with new deals limited to seven years for players re-signing with their current teams and six years for those joining new clubs after Sept. 15. Makar's agreement therefore gives him one of the final eight-year contracts under the current system.

Cale Makar Makes NHL History With Record $20.4M Con...