What Makes Cale Makar's Avalanche Contract Truly Historic

In addition, Makar is coming off a season in which he posted 79 points across 20 goals and 59 assists for the Avalanche.

The Stanley Cup champion and two-time Norris Trophy winner has also said he is grateful to continue his career in Colorado with the Avs — with this deal providing him the opportunity to conclude his career in Colorado.

“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” said Makar per the NHL's media release on the latest inking.

"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.” 

What Cale Makar's Deal Means for the NHL

Now, Makar's historic contract certainly has League ramifications.

In total dollars, the only contract in NHL history that even comes slightly close to Makar is Kirill Kaprizov who signed an eight-year, $136 million contract with the Minnesota Wild.

In addition, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks is the next-highest-paid player in the NHL — with an $18.8 million AAV for San Jose behind Makar's $20.4 million AAV.

Back to Makar, he is now the NHL's first player to be making $20 million a year or more, which is also just shy of the League maximum of $20.8 million.

This could start a ripple effect.

Quinn Hughes (Wild), Matthew Schaefer (Islanders), Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets), and other blueliners across the NHL could very well benefit eventually from what precedent Makar's latest inking represents for the NHL.

As the NHL salary cap rises — potentially climbing to north of $120 million in two seasons and $130 million in three — AAVs on contracts across the League could continue to soar higher than $20 million.

Hughes in particular is in the final season of a six-year contract with a $7.85 million AAV, and he has been eligible to sign a new contract since July 1. Makar's signing could indicate to Hughes's agent, Pat Brisson, what a matching or exceeding target number could look like with Minnesota; or what offer the New Jersey Devils would have to potentially put on the table to unite Hughes with his younger brothers — both of whom (Jack, Luke) are on the Devils' roster.

The NHL salary cap is $104 million this season, up 8.9 percent from $95.5 million last season. Per NHL.com, it is projected to rise to $113.5 million next season, which would be a 9.1 percent increase.

Makar's contract could very well be the first domino falling in terms of future contracts for defensemen across the league — but for Quinn in particular, it provides a target for what he could ask for if he hits the open market or if Brisson reaches a deal for the Team USA gold medalist with the Wild.