On Friday afternoon, the Colorado Avalanche and Cale Makar made it official by agreeing to the richest contract extension in NHL history. Makar proudly announced it on the Avalanche Twitter/X page.

When hockey insider Elliotte Friedman revealed the salary cap hit of $20.4 million, it wasn’t a shock. In doing so for a max deal worth $163.2 million beginning in 2027, the 27-year-old Makar became the league’s first $20 million player.

A two-time Norris winner, Makar is considered the best defenseman in the sport. Having put up gaudy numbers since the Avalanche selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, he’s been over a point-per-game since winning the Calder Trophy in 2019-20. After putting up 50 points in 57 contests, Makar has totaled 124 goals and 333 assists for 457 points with a plus-156 rating in 413 games between 2020-21 through 2025-26.

He’s been in a league of his own by scoring highlight reel goals seen in NHL ’26. In fact, he scored 30 goals in 2024-25 to become the first defenseman since Mike Green did it in 2008-09. He finished the season with 92 points to take home the Norris. In 2025-26, Makar had 20 goals and 59 assists for 79 points in 75 games. It marked the fourth time that he scored at least 20 in his career. Few defensemen can fire the puck from the point like him. He’s made it into an art. If you looked up the word laser in the dictionary, Makar’s shot would qualify.

As predicted, he’ll become a $20 million player following the upcoming season. Considering how elite he is, Makar will be worth the money he earns. Even if there are younger players at the same position on more cap friendly deals (Lane Hutson $8.85 million AAV, Adam Fox $8.5 million AAV), nobody does what he can do in games. As good as those players are, they’re not as intimidating as Makar. Nobody wants to see him with the puck. It’s similar to Al MacInnis.

What It Could Mean for Quinn Hughes

For seemingly ever this summer in what’s felt like an eternity, the hockey world has been waiting to see what happens with Quinn Hughes. Ever since the Minnesota Wild acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks last winter, people have been waiting to see if Wild general manager Bill Guerin could find a way to keep Hughes.

Despite all the nonsense on social media, nobody knows what’s really going on. I’ve been consistent in maintaining that the two sides were waiting on Makar and the Avalanche. Now that it’s done, Hughes finally has the exact figures. He’s been compared to Makar for a while. They’re easily the best two defensemen in the league. Hughes is a bit different in style. It’s even more skating and finding spots to operate. He’s an extremely talented player with sick skills.

After doing it in obscurity for the Canucks, Hughes was finally on the big stage in the second round matchup between the Wild and Avalanche. He certainly did his part offensively in the series. Defensively, he wasn’t as consistent. That had a lot to do with how high powered the Avalanche were. They dominated the final two games to advance in six. Even with Makar returning banged up, he still performed well in the big matchup of elite defensemen.

Hughes’ team isn’t as good. Even with the Wild boasting two of the game’s premier scoring forwards in Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov, they still have some holes. Joel Eriksson Ek is a strong number two center yet he’s been featured as the number one. Hughes formed instant chemistry with Brock Faber for a dynamic top pair. The Wild also feature future top five goalie Jesper Wallstedt. So, there are some nice pieces in place. But are they a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup?

Considering how close he is with Jack Hughes, there remains speculation that Quinn will wind up playing together with his brothers in New Jersey. It was a special moment they shared helping USA win Olympic gold for the first time since 1980. Both shined in the triumph with Jack scoring the golden goal. Ironically, Quinn currently gets to play with American teammates Boldy and Faber.

There are an awful lot of experts who support either the Wild or Devils. What does it all mean? Absolutely nothing. The decision is up to Hughes. With Makar getting paid, things are going to heat up. One way or another, the situation in Minnesota will be resolved before the season. They’re officially on the clock.