Avalanche GM Joe Sakic delivers confident Cale Makar contract update

Colorado Avalanche president and general manager Joe Sakic provided another positive indication Sunday that the team expects to secure a long-term contract extension with defenseman Cale Makar before the start of the 2026-27 season.

Makar is entering the final season of his current contract, which carries a $9 million salary-cap hit. He became eligible to negotiate a new agreement on July 1, and Sakic assured discussions with the two-time Norris Trophy winner remain productive.

“We continue talking,” Sakic said before taking the ice against the University of Denver alumni at Magness Arena. “I’m pretty confident that he’ll be signed before the season starts.”

Sakic also indicated there is no concern on either side about the negotiations, saying the dialogue between the two parties has been good and that an agreement will be announced once one is reached. He added that he hopes the deal can be completed before training camp begins.

Timing could be important for Colorado. If Makar signs before the middle of September, the Avalanche can give him an eight-year contract. After that point, the maximum term would be seven seasons.

Makar’s next contract could also have a major impact on the NHL defenseman market. Bo Byram recently agreed to a six-year, $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, while Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is scheduled to lead NHL blue-liners with an $11.5 million cap hit next season. Byram is set to earn $12.5 million annually beginning in 2027-28.

Makar has proved himself to be among the league’s elite defensemen since becoming a full-time NHL player in 2019-20. The fourth overall selection in the 2017 draft has six All-Star selections, 507 points in 470 games, a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe Trophy and two Norris Trophies. He has also been a Norris finalist in each of the past six seasons.

Colorado has additional financial flexibility after sending Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nichushkin had four seasons remaining at a $6.125 million cap hit, creating room that could help the Avalanche complete Makar’s extension.

Sakic previously said Makar would finish his career in Denver, and his latest comments indicate that plan remains unchanged.

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