The Avalanche won't be able to dodge this looming crisis that is quickly coming their way
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche are rapidly approaching a critical juncture, as Cale Makar's massive contract extension looms large, presenting an unavoidable challenge that could shape the team's roster and salary cap decisions for years to come.
With big-name players starting to receive big paydays, where does the top defenseman in the NHL sit with his future dollar amount?
Fans on edge as the Colorado Avalanche won't be able to escape this looming contract crisis coming their way.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that while Connor McDavid could potentially outshine Kirill Kaprizov's record-breaking deal, another massive contract is looming and that's Avalanche superstar defenseman's Cale Makar.
The superstar defenseman will be eligible for an extension next summer, and come July 1, 2026, fans will be clamoring for the Avalanche to secure their franchise cornerstone.
"In short, the demand will be, 'pay the man.' Makar is 26 and already a two-time Norris Trophy, Calder Trophy, Conn Smythe, and Stanley Cup winner. Another Norris Trophy this season and/or a 100-point campaign will push Makar's next contract into the stratosphere." -Quixtan
The Avalanche won't be able to sidestep paying Cale Makar. The team will likely need to align with MacKinnon and acknowledge that Makar deserves top dollar.
With the salary cap expected to rise, Colorado should have the flexibility to sign their star defenseman.
As for his potential payout, the short answer is that Makar is poised to become the NHL's highest-paid defenseman, but the exact figure will depend on how willing he is to negotiate.
"Don't be surprised to see Makar cut the Avalanche a break by signing a short-term deal at a reasonable AAV. A two to three-year contract could be enough to kick the can down the road and reassess the market when the cap has gone up even further." -Quixtan
Keep an eye on Rasmus Andersson, likely the top free-agent defenseman this season. His next contract could set a benchmark for Makar, and overpaying for Andersson might only push Makar's price even higher.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 32 ANSWERS The Avalanche won't be able to dodge this looming crisis that is quickly coming their way Will Makar be the highest paid defenseman in the NHL after his extension? | ||
| yes | 30 | 93.8 % |
| no | 2 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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