Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of Game Four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 26, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Avalanche 2-1 to win the series in four games. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) The Colorado Avalanche are on the verge of one of the biggest contract negotiations of the NHL offseason as franchise defenseman Cale Makar becomes eligible for an extension. Makar is expected to set the market for NHL defensemen after another Norris Trophy-caliber season.Contract talks have drawn plenty of interest because Colorado has to pay one of the league’s best players and still create enough salary-cap space to be a Stanley Cup contender. The outcome could have implications for future negotiations involving top NHL stars.
Pierre LeBrun explains Cale Makar NHL contract market expectations for Colorado
Pierre LeBrun believes Cale Makar’s next contract will reflect his status as one of the elite players in the NHL, and it’s hard to imagine his camp asking for anything less than the projected $17 million AAV.LeBrun wrote in The Athletic that Makar’s résumé puts him in a unique position as he heads into negotiations. The two-time Norris Trophy winner has been a steady top-five defenseman in the NHL, and many around the league feel he has earned the right to be the highest-paid player at his position.From a talent and production standpoint, I don’t think a lot of executives would baulk if Makar asked for an even bigger payday than what’s expected right now, the insider said.CategoryDetailsPlayerCale MakarCurrent TeamColorado AvalanchePositionDefensemanShootsRightHeight6 ft 0 in (183 cm)NationalityCanadianBirthplaceCalgary, Alberta, CanadaAgeBorn on October 30, 1998Draft InformationSelected 4th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.Current ContractSix-year, $54 million contract entering its final season in 2026-27.Extension EligibilityEligible to sign a contract extension during the 2026 NHL offseason.Projected Contract ValueIndustry projections have linked Makar to an extension worth approximately $17 million AAV, with some analysts believing his value could exceed that figure.Insider ViewPierre LeBrun believes Makar’s camp is unlikely to pursue a deal worth less than the NHL’s highest recent superstar contracts.Team PriorityRe-signing Cale Makar is viewed as the Colorado Avalanche’s top offseason objective.Salary Cap ChallengeColorado must balance a record-setting extension with maintaining enough cap space to keep a championship-caliber roster together.Recent PerformanceRecorded 90 points (26 goals, 64 assists) during the 2025-26 NHL season and finished as a Norris Trophy finalist.Career AchievementsTwo-time Norris Trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen.Why His Extension MattersA new contract could establish a new salary benchmark for NHL defensemen and influence future negotiations across the league.Potential Impact on ColoradoSecuring Makar long-term would preserve the franchise’s championship core but require careful salary-cap management in future seasons.League-Wide SignificanceMakar’s extension is among the NHL’s most closely watched contract negotiations and could reshape the defenseman market for years to come.
How could the Colorado Avalanche balance salary and roster depth?
While Makar’s value is beyond question, Colorado has to think about the long-term impact on roster construction. Devoting a significant portion of the salary cap to one player could restrict future spending on key supporting pieces.The Avalanche, LeBrun said, are still all-in on winning now. The key in negotiations will likely be to craft a deal that pays Makar, but also maintains depth on the roster.
Why does Cale Makar remain Colorado’s franchise cornerstone?
Makar is coming off another great season, collecting 90 points, including 26 goals, and was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the second consecutive season. Since being selected fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, he’s emerged as one of the top-two way defensemen in hockey.As extension talks ramp up in the offseason, Makar’s next contract could help set the tone for the defensemen market and continue to solidify the Avalanche’s commitment to building around one of the NHL’s most complete players.