Kirill Kaprizov Sets Bar for Cale Makar's Next Contract

Kirill Kaprizov's contract worth $17 million average annual value (AAV) is the benchmark for Cale Makar's next deal.

What's at stake for Cale Makar?

Cale Makar's representatives won't ask for a lower AAV than Kirill Kaprizov, according to Pierre LeBrun.

Makar is widely regarded as the best defenceman in the league, so his next contract will be costly.

Why it matters for Kirill Kaprizov

Kirill Kaprizov's contract serves as a reference point for Makar's negotiations, with LeBrun suggesting few would object if Makar asked for $20 million.

LeBrun noted that Connor McDavid's recent contract extension is an example of a superstar accepting a team-friendly figure.

What comes next for Cale Makar?

The Colorado Avalanche isn't in a rush to sort out Makar's contract extension, but both sides are willing to strike a deal this summer.

Makar is likely to follow Nathan MacKinnon's footsteps, who signed for a significantly lesser fee to help the team remain competitive.

The Avalanche remains firmly in win-now mode, and finding a balance between Makar's payday and the team's depth will be key.

Pierre LeBrun, NHL insider, believes the balance will be to find something that works and still allows Colorado to contend.

LeBrun's league sources indicate that there hasn't been much work done on Makar's extension yet, but a deal is expected sometime this summer.

Cale Makar becomes eligible to sign a new deal on July 1st, and his contract will be one of the NHL's biggest talking points of the offseason.

The Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup window is a priority, and Makar's contract will play a significant role in the team's future success.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun wrote for The Athletic that Makar's representatives, brothers Brian and Scott Bartlett, won't ask for less than Kirill Kaprizov's AAV.

LeBrun's comments come as the NHL offseason is set to begin, with several high-profile players eligible for contract extensions.

Cale Makar's next contract will be closely watched, and Kirill Kaprizov's deal will serve as a reference point for the negotiations.