Cale Makar Nears Contract Renewal

Cale Makar is in the final year of his six-year, $54 million deal.

What happened?

The Philadelphia Flyers' $90 million deal with Leo Carlsson has reignited the contract debate for Cale Makar.

Makar became eligible for an extension on July 1, but no agreement has been announced.

Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has expressed confidence that Makar will remain in Colorado long term.

Why it matters for Cale Makar

Makar's next contract could reset the defense market, potentially pushing toward the $20 million threshold.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently suggested Makar could become the league's first $20 million player.

Others expect the number to land between $15 million and $16.5 million, depending on term and structure.

What comes next?

The NHL's upcoming collective bargaining agreement, effective September 16, 2026, reduces maximum contract length from eight years to seven on re-signs.

This adds a layer of urgency to the calendar, but not necessarily to the negotiation itself.

Makar is already a two-time Norris Trophy winner and a Conn Smythe winner, making him a candidate to reset the defense market.

The Avalanche already have their own version of the team-friendly deal philosophy, with Makar's contract renewal being a key example.

Tom Brady's team-friendly deals with the New England Patriots are a notable example of elite athletes choosing structure and stability over maximizing every last dollar.

Sidney Crosby has also carried a team-friendly deal, with an $8.7 million cap hit, while helping the Pittsburgh Penguins capture three Stanley Cups.

The new collective bargaining agreement will play a significant role in determining Makar's contract value, with the reduced maximum contract length being a key factor.

Makar's contract renewal is expected to be a major storyline in the NHL, with his value exceeding $15 million annually.