Cale Makar is widely recognized as one of the most electrifying defensemen in modern hockey. His combination of speed, skill, and hockey intelligence has made him a cornerstone for the Colorado Avalanche and a star on the international stage. Here’s a comprehensive look into his personal life, career, financials, and achievements.
Cale Makar’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Cale Douglas Makar |
| Nickname | Mostly called “Cale”; rarely “salad” or “juice,” but none have stuck |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
| College | University of Massachusetts (UMass) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $9 million |
| Salary | $10,600,000 |
| Spouse | Tracy Evans |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @calemakar_ |
Early Career
Cale Makar’s hockey journey began in Calgary, where he played for local teams and quickly stood out for his skating and hockey sense. He rose to national attention with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), shattering league records and earning the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s National Player of the Year award for 2016-17.
His decision to play college hockey at UMass Amherst, rather than major junior, set him apart and allowed him to further develop his game and leadership skills.
Professional Career
Drafted fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2017, Makar made an immediate impact after joining the team for the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring a goal in his NHL debut. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in his first full season (2019-20). Makar’s unique blend of offensive and defensive prowess quickly established him as a Norris Trophy finalist each season since 2020-21, winning the award in 2022 and again in 2025.
He was instrumental in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Internationally, Makar won gold with Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championships and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. His career is marked by consistent excellence, leadership, and a reputation as one of the NHL’s most dynamic defensemen.
Wife
Cale Makar is married to Tracy Evans, a Calgary-based teacher and former competitive athlete. The couple got engaged in June 2023 and married on August 17, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. Tracy keeps a low profile and continues her teaching career.
Cale Makar’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Cale Makar’s net worth is estimated at $9 million. This figure is driven by his lucrative six-year, $54 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche, as well as endorsement deals and prudent financial management. With several years remaining on his contract and increasing marketability, his wealth is expected to grow further.
Prize Money
| Season | Earnings (USD) |
| 2018-19 | $792,500 |
| 2019-20 | $3,425,000 |
| 2020-21 | $925,000 |
| 2021-22 | $8,000,000 |
| 2022-23 | $9,000,000 |
| 2023-24 | $11,000,000 |
| 2024-25 | $10,600,000 |
| 2025-26 | $8,700,000 |
| 2026-27 | $6,700,000 |
| Total | $40,450,000 |
Endorsements
- Bauer Hockey
- CCM Hockey
- Red Bull
- Charitable partnerships, including the Cale Makar Foundation
- Colorado Avalanche Foundation
- NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund
Career Records
| Opponent/Team | Notable Achievements Against | Year |
| Calgary Flames | Scored first NHL goal in playoff debut | 2019 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Stanley Cup Finals victory | 2022 |
| Team USA (International) | Assist on OT winner in Four Nations Face-Off Final | 2025 |
FAQs
1. Who is Cale Makar?
Cale Makar is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL, widely regarded as one of the best defensemen in the modern era.
2. When and where was Cale Makar born?
Cale Makar was born on October 30, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
3. Which NHL team drafted Cale Makar and at what position?
The Colorado Avalanche selected Cale Makar with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
4. What major awards has Cale Makar won in his career?
Cale Makar has won two Norris Trophies (2021–22, 2024–25) as the NHL’s best defenseman, the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year (2019–20), the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP (2022), and the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA player (2019).
5. What are some of Cale Makar’s notable NHL records and achievements?
Makar was the first defenseman to score a playoff goal in his NHL debut, posted the first 30-goal season by a defenseman since 2008–09, and set a franchise record with 92 points in a season by a defenseman.
6. Has Cale Makar won a Stanley Cup?
Yes, Cale Makar won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
7. What is Cale Makar’s playing style and why is he considered elite?
Makar is known for his exceptional skating, offensive creativity, hockey IQ, and ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice, making him one of the most dynamic and influential defensemen in the NHL.
8. What is Cale Makar’s contract status with the Colorado Avalanche?
Cale Makar is under contract with the Avalanche through the 2026–27 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent.
9. Has Cale Makar represented Canada internationally?
Yes, Makar has played for Canada’s national teams, winning gold at the 2018 World Junior Championships and the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
10. What are some highlights from Cale Makar’s 2024–25 NHL season?
In 2024–25, Makar scored 32 goals, led all defensemen in several statistical categories, posted a 13-game season-opening point streak, and won his second Norris Trophy.