How Cale Makar's next contract could become a nightmare for the Avalanche
Photo credit: Claus Andersen / Mile High Sticking
How superstar defenseman Cale Makar's next contract could turn into a genuine nightmare for the Colorado Avalanche and impact their future plans.
Martin Necas' looming free agency has dominated much of the conversation around the Avalanche during training camp. While Necas' contract situation is certainly important, an even larger contract issue is on the horizon.
Is it too soon for Colorado fans to worry about Makar's contract?
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that Makar, the Avalanche's Norris-winning defenseman, heads into year five of his six-year contract following a jaw-dropping 30-goal, 92-point campaign, widely regarded as one of the greatest seasons ever for a defenseman.
Still, the thought of him hitting free agency in 2027 has fans on edge.
"On the surface, it is. Makar won't be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2026. If he doesn't ink a deal immediately, questions will begin to surface. The discussion will focus on why Makar hasn't signed until he does."-Quixtan
The longer Makar waits to sign, the more intense the speculation will become. It's safe to assume that the Avalanche are factoring his next contract heavily into their forward planning.
"Fortunately, the rising salary cap will vastly help the Avalanche handle that situation. But then again, this isn't just any other run-of-the-mill top-pairing defenseman we're talking about. It's the best D-man in the NHL who will be looking to land his next contract." -Quixtan
Another Norris-winning season could easily push Makar's average annual value toward $16 million. With Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid potentially exceeding $19 million, could the league's top defenseman realistically land around $17 million?
It's a tough scenario to imagine, but if Makar reaches free agency, numerous GMs would likely do whatever it takes to secure him, no matter the price.
The key factor will be how far Makar's camp decides to push the negotiations. His agents, Brian and Scott Bartlett, have a strong reputation for brokering deals that satisfy both sides.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Is it too soon for Colorado Avalanche fans to worry about Makar's next contract?
Mile High Sticking
Is it too soon for Colorado Avalanche fans to worry about Makar's next contract?
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 19 ANSWERS How Cale Makar's next contract could become a nightmare for the Avalanche Will Cale Makar's next contract cause problems for the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 9 | 47.4 % |
| no | 10 | 52.6 % |
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