Cale Makar’s True Value: Why the Avalanche Won’t Trade the NHL’s Best Defenseman

Cale Makar’s $18-20 million AAV contract is non-negotiable for the Colorado Avalanche, according to NHL insider Aarif, who dismissed trade rumors as fantasy. The defenseman’s value isn’t just in his on-ice dominance but in the franchise’s playoff dependence on him-a reality the Avs proved when Makar’s absence derailed their depth despite a cap-era record roster.**

Why won’t the Avalanche trade Cale Makar?

Aarif’s response to trade speculation was blunt: “Nope. Never. Next.” But the deeper argument hinges on economics. First-round picks-often demanded for Makar-are overrated. The NHL’s rising cap ($114M in 2027-28) makes superstar contracts like Makar’s ($18M = 15.8% of the cap) far more manageable than fans assume. Compare that to Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6M in 2023-24 (15.1% of the $83.5M cap)-a bargain that will only improve as his contract ages.

How Makar’s absence exposed the Avs’ playoff flaw

The Avs’ 2026 playoff run showed what happens when Makar isn’t on the ice. Even with one of the deepest lineups in cap-era history, the team struggled without him. “You can’t replace that,” Aarif noted. His two-way impact-defensive shutdowns, primary scoring-is irreplaceable. The Vegas Golden Knights’ late-season coaching change proved teams can pivot midseason, but no GM will gamble on losing Makar to save cap space.

What’s fair compensation for Makar?

The answer: nothing. Aarif argued most first-round picks wouldn’t cover Makar’s value. “There aren’t enough first-rounders in the world that I’d accept for him,” he said. The Avs’ 2026 playoff depth-a record 15 forwards under contract-proves the cap math works. Makar’s contract isn’t a burden; it’s an investment. “If you don’t pay him, someone else will,” Aarif warned. “Then you’ll spend a decade trying to replace him-and you might never find what you’re looking for.”

The bigger picture: Superstars vs. cap realism

The NHL’s salary cap is climbing, but sticker shock remains. Makar’s $18M AAV in 2027-28 will feel like a steal compared to future stars. The Avs’ 2026 playoff struggles-despite their roster-showed the cost of not retaining elite talent. “It’s the cost of doing business with the best defenseman in the league,” Aarif concluded. No trade deadline will change that.