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The Colorado Avalanche have a big decision to make with one of their superstars, Cale Makar. Makar is widely known around the NHL for his elite offensive skills and smooth skating. Makar helped the Avalanche secure a Stanley Cup in 2022.
Makar is entering the final year of his current six-year, $54 million contract, which carries a $9 million AAV. Under the current CBA, the Avalanche can still give an 8-year extension.
MORE: 5 NHL teams that will surprise in 2026-2027
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar talks with center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Starting September 16, 2026, the new NHL CBA reduces the maximum extension with a player’s current team from 8 years to 7 years. For the Avalanche, the priority should be giving Makar as many years as possible and getting a long-term deal done soon.
Makar is widely regarded as the top defenseman in the NHL, and securing him with a short-term deal could be a strategic move, especially with a high AAV. One potential option is a 5-year contract valued at $19.5M, which would provide the Avalanche with flexibility while ensuring they retain one of their key players.
MORE: NHL players facing the most pressure entering 2026-2027 season
Cale Makar’s talent is night and day amongst the rest of the NHL for defensemen. He wins Norris trophies, he defends at a high level, and he has some of the most impressive skating abilities in the league.
Signing Makar for a 3-year deal raises the question of whether Makar would test the market. The longer deal makes it more beneficial for the Avalanche because you sign him and don’t have to worry about contracts with your best defenseman. Waiting until after September 15 could cost the Avalanche a potential year of control.
Teams have made big deals for defensemen lately, with Darren Raddysh signing an 8-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Lane Hutson signing an 8-year contract with the Canadiens. Front offices want to get their players to long-term deals, and the Avalanche should jump in and sign Makar to a lengthy contract.
The cap situation for the Avalanche is very good. His new deal would start in the 2027-28 season, and the Avalanche have $32.05 million in 2027. If it is an 8-year deal, the contract could project to be an AAV of $17 million over 8 years.
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Makar is entering the final year of his current six-year, $54 million contract, which carries a $9 million AAV. Under the current CBA, the Avalanche can still give an 8-year extension.
MORE: 5 NHL teams that will surprise in 2026-2027
Why the Avalanche should take action now
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Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar talks with center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Starting September 16, 2026, the new NHL CBA reduces the maximum extension with a player’s current team from 8 years to 7 years. For the Avalanche, the priority should be giving Makar as many years as possible and getting a long-term deal done soon.
Makar is widely regarded as the top defenseman in the NHL, and securing him with a short-term deal could be a strategic move, especially with a high AAV. One potential option is a 5-year contract valued at $19.5M, which would provide the Avalanche with flexibility while ensuring they retain one of their key players.
MORE: NHL players facing the most pressure entering 2026-2027 season
The argument for an 8-year deal
Cale Makar’s talent is night and day amongst the rest of the NHL for defensemen. He wins Norris trophies, he defends at a high level, and he has some of the most impressive skating abilities in the league.
Signing Makar for a 3-year deal raises the question of whether Makar would test the market. The longer deal makes it more beneficial for the Avalanche because you sign him and don’t have to worry about contracts with your best defenseman. Waiting until after September 15 could cost the Avalanche a potential year of control.
Teams have made big deals for defensemen lately, with Darren Raddysh signing an 8-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Lane Hutson signing an 8-year contract with the Canadiens. Front offices want to get their players to long-term deals, and the Avalanche should jump in and sign Makar to a lengthy contract.
The cap situation for the Avalanche is very good. His new deal would start in the 2027-28 season, and the Avalanche have $32.05 million in 2027. If it is an 8-year deal, the contract could project to be an AAV of $17 million over 8 years.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
