Cale Makar

Player Information

Cale Douglas Makar, born on October 30, 1998, is a talented Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a defenceman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He was drafted fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Makar quickly made a name for himself, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year in 2020 and later earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman in 2022 and again in 2025. A key player for his team, he also played a vital role in leading the Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Full Name :
Cale Douglas Makar
Birthdate :
30 October 1998
Birthplace :
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
183
Weight (kg) :
85
Nationality :
Canadian
Parents :
Gary Makar (Father), Laura MacGregor (Mother)
Status :
Married
Partner :
Tracy Evans
Career Started :
2019
Notable Achievements :
Stanley Cup (2022), Calder Memorial Trophy (2020), James Norris Memorial Trophy (2022, 2025)
Current Team :
Colorado Avalanche
Drafted :
2017
Drafted by :
Colorado Avalanche
Active Status :
From - 2019, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2021 to 2027, Salary $9,000,000 USD

Biography

Cale Makar is an elite defenseman in the NHL, known for his remarkable skill and athleticism with the Colorado Avalanche. Drafted fourth in 2017, he has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier players, earning accolades such as the Norris and Calder Trophies. With a career total of 511 points by the 2024-25 season, Makar’s financial success mirrors his on-ice performance. Further insights into his early life and achievements follow.

Early Life

Cale Makar is an accomplished NHL player who illustrated exceptional talent from an early age. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, he exhibited his athletic skill throughout his childhood.

He attended Sir Winston Churchill High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, ultimately graduating in 2016.

Makar initiated his junior hockey career with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where he made a notable impact by leading defensemen in scoring during the 2016-17 season.

Furthermore, he represented Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in 2015, contributing to their gold medal victory and further highlighting his abilities on an international level.

Family Life

Cale Makar comes from a supportive and athletic family. His parents, Gary and Laura, along with his brother Taylor, have been instrumental in his hockey path.

Their strong background in athletics and encouragement in both sports and education have greatly influenced Cale’s successful career in the NHL.

The close-knit family environment has motivated him to pursue not only his hockey aspirations but also his education in sports management, highlighting the importance of family support in his life.

Career

Cale Makar has established himself as one of the premier defensemen in the NHL. Since being drafted 4th in total by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Makar has played 395 games, tallying an impressive 395 points with 116 goals and 312 assists.

His consistent offensive contributions are highlighted by an average of 1.0 points per game and a remarkable plus/minus rating of +428. Makar’s excellence on the ice has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Norris and Calder Trophies, along with multiple All-Star selections.

In the 2024-25 season, he reached a career-high of 511 points, with 87 goals and 376 assists, while also averaging 17.8 minutes of ice time per game.

Net Worth

Cale Makar’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, primarily derived from his NHL contracts and endorsements. He signed a six-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche worth $54 million, which greatly contributes to his wealth.

Throughout his career, Makar has earned considerable salaries, including $9 million in the 2021-2022 season, $7 million in the 2020-2021 season, $7 million in 2019-2020, $1 million in the 2018-2019 season, and $1 million in his rookie season of 2017-2018.

In addition to his contract earnings, Makar’s financial portfolio is strengthened by endorsement deals and performance bonuses, reflecting his success and popularity in the league. His marketability has been improved by on-ice achievements, including winning the Norris Trophy, which further amplifies his earning potential through diverse promotional opportunities.