The Colorado Avalanche are optimistic that Cale Makar will finalize a new contract prior to the season opener, as general manager Joe Sakic confirmed that discussions with the defenseman are moving in the right direction.
Makar is set to play out the last year of his six-year, $54 million deal, which carries an average annual value of $9 million. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency following the 2026-27 campaign, yet Sakic insists there is no reason to worry.
“We are in constant communication,” Sakic stated on Sunday. “I am fairly confident he will be under contract before the season gets underway.”
Sakic also mentioned that the ongoing conversations have been constructive and expressed hope that a resolution will be reached before training camp kicks off. The Avalanche are scheduled to start their season against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in Denver on Sept. 30.
Makar extension talks show promise
Makar has until Sept. 15 to sign a contract that could extend up to eight years. Following that date, the new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association will cap the maximum contract length at seven years.
Sakic noted that the shift in maximum term is not a source of stress for the organization. He emphasized that both parties will feel at ease with the final terms once everything is settled.
The 27-year-old blueliner was drafted fourth overall by Colorado in the 2017 NHL Draft and has since established himself as the franchise leader among Colorado/Quebec Nordiques defensemen in goals, assists, and total points.
Makar keeps boosting Avalanche’s pedigree
Makar tallied 79 points last season, including 20 goals and 59 assists, across 75 games. That output placed him third among NHL defensemen, while he finished runner-up to Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski in Norris Trophy voting.
The defenseman has claimed the Norris Trophy twice, earning the honor in 2022 and 2025. He also became the first defenseman since Phil Housley and Al MacInnis in 1992 to notch at least 20 goals in three straight seasons.
Makar has been a Norris Trophy finalist at least six times in his first seven years, a feat only matched by Bobby Orr. Across 470 NHL games, he has amassed 136 goals, 371 assists, and 507 points.
Stanley Cup winner expected to return fully fit
Makar was instrumental in Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy after posting 29 points, including eight goals and 21 assists, in 20 playoff contests.
The Avalanche also anticipate Makar will be at full strength for training camp following an upper-body injury sustained against the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round. That ailment sidelined him for the first two games of the Western Conference Final versus the Vegas Golden Knights, though he returned for Games 3 and 4.
Sakic stated he has no worries about Makar’s physical condition and expects the entire roster to be healthy when camp commences next month.
No progress on Jared Bednar’s contract
Sakic also touched on the status of head coach Jared Bednar, who is entering the final year of his current deal. However, he offered no new details regarding a potential extension.
Bednar holds a 445-262-75 record over 10 seasons behind the Colorado bench and has guided the Avalanche to the playoffs nine times, including their 2022 Stanley Cup championship.
Sakic expressed no unease about Bednar being in the last year of his contract, pointing out that both players and coaches have previously operated in similar situations before staying with their organizations.
