On July 1, 2026, Cale Makar becomes eligible to negotiate a new contract with the Colorado Avalanche, and NHL insider Pierre LeBrun predicts he will ask for a $20 million average annual value (AAV). The two‑time Norris Trophy winner is already being compared to Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, whose $17 million AAV set a recent benchmark.
What’s the contract outlook?
LeBrun told The Athletic that “in a vacuum, very few people would take issue if Makar did ask for $20 million.” He added that Makar’s representatives, brothers Brian and Scott Bartlett, are unlikely to settle for anything below Kaprizov’s figure. The projection comes as the Avalanche sit comfortably in a Stanley Cup window, meaning the front office may balance a hefty salary against roster depth.
Why is Kaprizov the comparison point?
Kaprizov’s $17 million AAV, signed last season, remains the highest for a forward not tied to a franchise‑changing extension. LeBrun argues that Makar, a defenseman, could be valued even higher because elite blueliners are rarer than elite wingers. He notes, “No offense to Kaprizov, but how many more millions is Makar worth than Kaprizov?” – a question that frames the negotiation narrative.
How could the deal shape Colorado’s roster?
If Makar secures a $20 million cap hit, Colorado may need to trim other contracts or rely on entry‑level deals to stay under the $84.5 million salary cap. LeBrun points to Connor McDavid’s recent team‑friendly extension as a template: a superstar accepting a slightly lower figure to preserve competitive depth. The Avalanche appear prepared to make similar sacrifices to keep their core intact.
When might a deal be reached?
LeBrun’s league sources say there’s “really hasn’t been much work done on it yet,” suggesting no extension will be finalized on the first eligible day. However, both sides are reportedly eager, and a contract could be inked later this summer. The timeline mirrors Nathan MacKinnon’s earlier extension, where the captain took a modest deal to help the club’s long‑term outlook.
What does this mean for Makar’s legacy?
Securing a $20 million AAV would place Makar among the league’s elite earners and reinforce his status as the premier defenseman in the NHL. It also signals that Colorado values his impact on both ends of the ice enough to risk a sizable cap commitment. As the offseason unfolds, fans will watch closely to see whether the Avalanche can lock down their star without compromising the depth that fueled their recent success.