Leo Carlsson’s $90 Million Deal Sparks Cale Makar Contract Conversations

In the fast-paced world of the NHL, one contract can ignite discussions that ripple through the league. The Philadelphia Flyers’ recent five-year, $90 million deal with Leo Carlsson has stirred the pot, prompting speculation about its implications for Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar.

However, the reality is that Carlsson’s contract doesn’t fundamentally alter Makar’s situation. Instead, it reflects a broader market trend for young talent without redefining Makar’s trajectory as he approaches his next contract.

Makar is entering the final year of his six-year, $54 million deal, which carries an average annual value of $9 million. Having been eligible for an extension since July 1, the absence of an agreement so far is not a cause for concern for either side. Notably, any new deal would commence only in the 2027-28 season.

Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has consistently voiced his confidence in securing Makar for the long haul. The focus now shifts from whether a deal will materialize to the timing, structure, and finding a mutually agreeable figure for both parties.

Compounding this timeline is the impending collective bargaining agreement set to take effect on September 16, 2026. A significant change in this new agreement will reduce the maximum contract length for re-signings from eight years to seven. This creates a narrow window for Colorado and Makar to secure a longer-term deal before the rules shift.

While this adds urgency to the calendar, it does not necessarily accelerate the negotiations. As discussions unfold, the question remains: how high will the market for elite players reach?

Already a two-time Norris Trophy winner and Conn Smythe recipient, Makar stands as one of the premier defensemen of his generation. Many believe he is well-positioned to reset the defensive market, potentially approaching the long-rumored $20 million salary threshold.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently suggested that Makar could become the league’s first $20 million player. However, others speculate that the final figure will likely fall within the range of $15 million to $16.5 million, depending on the contract’s term and structure, with some believing $17 million could be a realistic ceiling.

While Carlsson’s contract might suggest a trajectory for rising salaries, the reality in professional sports shows that the highest-paid player doesn’t always dictate the culture or priorities of a franchise. Elite athletes often choose stability, structure, or the pursuit of championships over maximizing their earnings.

Take Tom Brady, for instance, who often restructured contracts to allow the New England Patriots the flexibility to build a championship-caliber roster. In the NHL, Sidney Crosby embodies this approach, maintaining an $8.7 million cap hit while leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cups.

The Avalanche have a similar ethos, embodied by Nathan MacKinnon, who is signed through 2031 at a cap hit of $12.6 million—considered below market value for a player of his caliber. Back in 2019, MacKinnon expressed his willingness to take less in future deals to maintain a competitive roster, stating, “We have guys that we wouldn’t (otherwise) be able to bring in.” His commitment to winning has been a consistent theme in Colorado’s recent history.

While this philosophy doesn’t guarantee a hometown discount for Makar—who is undeniably valuable and accomplished—it complicates the notion that Carlsson’s contract automatically resets expectations in Colorado.

Indeed, Makar is poised to set a new benchmark for defensemen and will be compensated among the league’s elite. The critical question remains where that figure will land and what factors will weigh most heavily when the deal is finalized.

Ultimately, the Avalanche have demonstrated a willingness to prioritize long-term success over short-term financial gain over the past decade. Consequently, Cale Makar’s next contract will not be dictated by Leo Carlsson or any other player reshaping the market.

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