ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The **** le is still sinking in for Cale Makar — highest paid player in NHL history.
With it, of course, comes great expectations for the Colorado Avalanche standout defenseman. Like more gaudy stats and deep Stanley Cup runs. Pressure becomes part of the price tag for signing a $163.2 million, eight-year extension that kicks in next season. Pressure, the two-time Norris Trophy winner **** erted, he welcomes.
"I'm a guy that just puts a lot of pressure on myself to do well year in, year out," Makar said Monday at a news conference on the heels of a deal he signed late last week that will keep him with Colorado through the 2034-35 season. "It's going to make me even push myself a little bit more."
The 27-year-old Makar took becoming the league's first player to sign for more than $20 million a season in stride. He's already predicting the figure won't stand for long. It could be Edmonton's Connor McDavid or Toronto's Auston Matthews, who are eligible for extensions next summer. Down the road, it might be Makar's teammate Nathan MacKinnon.
"I fully expect Nate to even double what this is right now," cracked Makar, who's turned in four 20-goal seasons in his career. "It's incredible to see where the game is going."
#pressure #player #million
With it, of course, comes great expectations for the Colorado Avalanche standout defenseman. Like more gaudy stats and deep Stanley Cup runs. Pressure becomes part of the price tag for signing a $163.2 million, eight-year extension that kicks in next season. Pressure, the two-time Norris Trophy winner **** erted, he welcomes.
"I'm a guy that just puts a lot of pressure on myself to do well year in, year out," Makar said Monday at a news conference on the heels of a deal he signed late last week that will keep him with Colorado through the 2034-35 season. "It's going to make me even push myself a little bit more."
The 27-year-old Makar took becoming the league's first player to sign for more than $20 million a season in stride. He's already predicting the figure won't stand for long. It could be Edmonton's Connor McDavid or Toronto's Auston Matthews, who are eligible for extensions next summer. Down the road, it might be Makar's teammate Nathan MacKinnon.
"I fully expect Nate to even double what this is right now," cracked Makar, who's turned in four 20-goal seasons in his career. "It's incredible to see where the game is going."
#pressure #player #million
20 days ago
