Cale Makar’s Future in Colorado: Negotiations Heat Up for Star Defenseman

For fans of the Colorado Avalanche, the absence of a Cale Makar contract extension might be starting to feel all too familiar. Following the departure of Mikko Rantanen, there’s a justified concern that another franchise cornerstone could soon exit. However, Makar’s situation is markedly different, and Avalanche supporters shouldn’t brace themselves for a repeat of the Rantanen saga.

The certainty lies in one thing: Makar will re-sign in Colorado. The real question is how much it will cost the team to keep their superstar defenseman.

As Makar enters the final season of his contract, he stands on the precipice of a life-changing payday. Having established himself as arguably the best defenseman in the league, the rising salary cap and escalating contract market signal that this negotiation won’t be wrapped up quickly. But that shouldn’t be misconstrued as a problem.

Drawing from my years covering boxing, I’ve learned that the most significant fights rarely come together in a rush. While hockey lacks the chaotic elements of boxing—networks, promoters, and various political hurdles—negotiating a contract potentially worth more than $130-$140 million is no simple task. Expecting Makar, his representatives, and the Avalanche to casually agree on a number is unrealistic.

The landscape has shifted significantly in recent weeks, further complicating negotiations. Leo Carlsson’s five-year deal at an $18 million average annual value and Macklin Celebrini’s record-setting $18.8 million AAV have provided Makar’s camp with crucial benchmarks to consider. Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, a Stanley Cup champion, and the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient from Colorado’s 2022 championship run, is not just any elite player. He has every right to demand a substantial contract.

Let’s be clear: Cale Makar is poised to earn an incredible amount of money on his next contract, and he deserves it. The real question revolves around where both Makar and the Avalanche will draw their lines.

Could Makar command $20 million per season? It’s possible. Is he deserving of such a figure? Absolutely. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Colorado should hand him the largest contract in NHL history. There is a delicate balance between rewarding a player for his worth and constructing a championship roster around him.

The Avalanche already have Nathan MacKinnon secured, and Martin Necas is part of their long-term plans. Gabriel Landeskog remains a vital piece of the puzzle. If Colorado aims to maintain its Stanley Cup window, it cannot afford to allocate a significant portion of its salary cap to just a few players, risking the depth of the roster.

Joe Sakic and the Avalanche face a critical balancing act. Makar could very well become the highest-paid defenseman in NHL history, but it’s doubtful he’ll claim the title of highest-paid player in the league. That outcome might ultimately serve the best interests of all parties involved.

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of this situation is often overlooked: Colorado wants Makar, and Makar has every reason to remain with the Avalanche. Sakic has made the organization’s stance crystal clear, stating in June that Makar will finish his career in Colorado and that securing an extension is the team’s top offseason priority. This doesn’t resemble a team bracing for another Rantanen-like departure.

Makar has spent his entire NHL career in Colorado, winning a Stanley Cup and two Norris Trophies along the way. He has become one of the franchise’s most recognizable and beloved athletes. Moreover, the Avalanche continue to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which is significant. Players often weigh their decisions based on more than just the highest possible salary; winning, fit, stability, and legacy all hold considerable weight, and Makar has all of these elements in Colorado.

While it’s reasonable for Avalanche fans to monitor the situation, there’s a stark difference between not having signed yet and wanting to leave. Those are not synonymous.

However, there is a legitimate urgency to these negotiations due to the impending changes in the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement taking effect on September 16, 2026. Under the new terms, contracts signed with a current team will be capped at seven years instead of eight. If Colorado and Makar wish to maximize the length of his next deal, they face a real deadline.

An eight-year extension could potentially elevate Makar’s total contract value to around $132 million to $136 million, depending on the final annual figure. It’s no surprise that both sides are taking their time to ensure they reach the right agreement. The Avalanche must determine a number that satisfies Makar while maintaining the flexibility to build a championship-caliber roster. Conversely, Makar needs to find a figure that accurately reflects his value while providing the long-term security he deserves.

Neither party benefits from hurrying this process. This is the crucial distinction for Avalanche fans to grasp. Rantanen’s exit understandably left a mark, but assuming every significant contract negotiation will end similarly is perilous. Makar is not Rantanen, and the circumstances are not the same.

The Avalanche are keenly aware of the importance of this negotiation. They have already publicly identified Makar’s extension as a priority, and Sakic has stated his expectation that the defenseman will finish his career in Colorado. The organization recognizes what is at stake, and so does Makar.

While this doesn’t guarantee an easy negotiation or a final figure that won’t raise eyebrows, it does mean that Makar’s departure is far from imminent. So, for now, Avalanche fans can breathe a little easier.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.