Cale Makar's Contract Negotiations
The Colorado Avalanche are moving swiftly to secure their future by finalizing a contract extension for defenseman Cale Makar before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Avalanche are reportedly 'closing in' on a deal that could make Makar the highest-paid defenseman in NHL history.
Current NHL Contract Landscape
The current record for the most lucrative contract for an NHL defenseman is held by Bowen Byram of the Chicago Blackhawks, who signed a six-year, $75 million extension in July. With Makar's track record, he is on track to surpass Byram's $12.5 million annual average value (AAV) after yet another stellar season. This would be Makar's sixth consecutive season of achieving a point-per-game average, signaling his dominance in the league and adding further weight to his contract negotiations.
Confidence from Leadership
Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic has publicly expressed confidence that a deal will be reached before training camp begins. Sakic stated to reporters, "I'm not worried about it. I don't think Cale's worried about it. Dialogue has been great and when there's an agreement, we'll gladly announce it. Hopefully something will be done before the start of training camp." This statement underscores the optimism surrounding the negotiations and reflects both Makar's and the Avalanche's priorities as they head into a pivotal season.
Upcoming Training Camp and Regular Season
The Avalanche are set to begin training camp on September 17, 2023, with the NHL regular season kicking off on September 29. The Avalanche open their season against an unnamed opponent on September 30. The team's timing is critical; securing Makar right before the start of the season would solidify the core before they embark on their quest for another Stanley Cup.
Makar's Impact on the Team
Cale Makar is more than just a defenseman; he is a cornerstone of the Avalanche's success. Turning 28 in October, Makar was selected by the Avalanche with the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and has evolved into one of the league's elite defensemen during his seven years with the team. Last season, he recorded 79 points (20 goals and 59 assists) in 75 games, ranking third among all NHL defensemen. His contributions go beyond offensive production; Makar plays a vital role in special teams, contributing to a penalty kill that finished first in the league with an impressive 84.6 percent success rate.
A Strong Core for the Future
The Avalanche have also managed to secure key players long term, including star center Nathan MacKinnon and forwards Martin Necas and Logan O'Connor, along with defenseman Devon Toews and Brett Kulak. Additionally, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is under contract until 2030. With this core in place, the Avalanche aim to build upon their recent playoff success which saw them reaching the conference finals last season. Locking in Makar, who plays such a pivotal role in their system, is crucial for their continued competitiveness in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
The Avalanche organization understands the importance of Makar in their future title aspirations. As negotiations progress and the training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly both sides can reach an agreement that keeps the stellar defenseman in Colorado for the foreseeable future. A successful resolution would not only ensure Makar remains a part of the Avalanche but could also set a new standard in NHL contracts for defensemen.
