Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has reiterated his confidence that defenseman Cale Makar will sign a contract before the 2026-27 season, despite the rapidly escalating financial landscape of NHL player deals. Makar, entering the final year of his current six-year, $54 million contract, is projected to command a deal worth double his current $9 million annual salary.
Sakic addressed reporters ahead of the Avalanche-University of Denver alumni game, stating, We continue talking, and I’m pretty confident that he’ll be signed before the season starts.
The Avalanche have prioritized securing Makar’s future for years, but the league’s evolving financial environment has complicated the process. Makar’s next deal could set a new benchmark for defenseman contracts, with the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $113.5 million by 2027-28.
The timeline for a deal is further shaped by the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which takes effect on Sept. 16. Under the updated rules, the maximum term for a contract signed with a team’s own free agent drops from eight to seven years. Sakic dismissed concerns about the deadline, saying, I think when there’s a deal announced or signed and agreed to, both sides will be comfortable with whatever term it is.
The NHL’s salary cap is set at $104 million for the 2026-27 season but is expected to climb to $113.5 million in 2027-28. This upward trajectory has fueled record-breaking contracts, with players like Kirill Kaprizov ($136 million, $17 million AAV) and Macklin Celebrini ($94 million, $18.8 million AAV) setting new standards. Makar, alongside Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson ($11.5 million AAV), is poised to challenge these figures.
Sakic Remains Confident Makar Will Be Signed Before Avalanche Season Begins
Sakic acknowledged the shifting market, noting, I think everybody’s projecting where the cap’s going, and that’s why you’re seeing these contracts at a certain level.
The Avalanche’s focus on retaining stars aligns with broader league trends, as teams rush to lock up young talent amid rising cap numbers. Everybody wants to lock up their young stars, and that’s what’s happening,
Sakic said.
The new CBA introduces a critical deadline for Makar: Sept. 15, one day before the agreement takes effect. While the Avalanche could still finalize an eight-year deal by then, Sakic suggested the term might not be the primary concern. Not really worried about it,
he said. I think when there’s a deal announced or a signing agreed to, both sides will be comfortable with whatever term it is.
The CBA’s changes also affect how teams approach free agency. For example, Bo Byram’s $12.5 million AAV deal with Chicago and Leo Carlsson’s $90 million pact with the Anaheim Ducks highlight the league’s willingness to pay top dollar for elite talent. Makar’s negotiations are expected to follow a similar trajectory, with the Avalanche aiming to secure his services before the cap’s next significant jump.
The Avalanche’s ability to retain Makar will shape their competitive edge in the 2026-27 season. With 11 forwards, five defensemen, and a goaltender already under contract for that year, the team’s focus remains on securing its core. Sakic emphasized the importance of stability, stating, We like the roster. I think we have a good enough team to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Avs GM Joe Sakic 'confident' Cale Makar will sign
For the broader NHL, Makar’s deal could redefine how teams value defensemen. His potential $18.8 million AAV mark—currently held by Celebrini—may be surpassed as the salary cap continues to grow. Makar and Quinn Hughes are both expected to reset the market for elite defensemen. The landscape has changed, even since Byram’s deal was announced, Sakic added.
Sakic also addressed the status of other key figures. Artturi Lehkonen, a critical member of the club since arriving ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, remains without an extension. The 31-year-old had 21 goals and 48 points in 70 games last season but was injured during the second round of the 2026 playoffs and did not have his typical postseason impact after returning in the conference finals against Vegas. Coach Jared Bednar, the most accomplished coach in franchise history, is entering his 11th season at the helm. Despite calls to fire him after recent postseason exits, management and ownership have stood firm in their support.
Everything’s great,
Sakic said of his relationship with Bednar. Not worried about that. There’s been coaches, been players that have entered the last year of their deals before, and there’s going to be in the future. Not really concerned about that, and I don’t think Jared is either.
The Avalanche’s 2026-27 schedule, featuring best matchups and toughest stretches in the NHL’s new 84-game slate, underscores the importance of retaining core players. With the salary cap projected to rise sharply, the team’s ability to navigate these negotiations will be critical to maintaining its dominance. Sakic’s assurances and the ongoing dialogue with Makar suggest the Avalanche are poised to secure their cornerstone defenseman before the season begins.
