Cale Makar is on the verge of signing a record-breaking extension with the Colorado Avalanche, as announced by president and general manager Joe Sakic on June 29, 2026. The deal could be worth over $20 million per season.
What's at stake for Cale Makar?
The 2027 free-agent class is headlined by star power, including two of the best defensemen in the world, Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Makar's extension could reset the defense market.
Why it matters for the Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche want to get a Makar extension done this summer, with Sakic stating, "Cale is going to finish his career here." This suggests a maximum deal could be on the horizon.
The cost is where things get interesting, as the cap is projected to rise to $113.5 million in Year 1 of Makar's next contract. He's worth every penny he could ask for, considering his elite game and the rising costs around the middle class.
What comes next for Cale Makar?
Makar could push for a deal worth over $20 million-plus per season on an eight-year deal, but stars generally sign below their market values. Nathan MacKinnon did just that on his last contract in Colorado, so maybe it sets a precedent for his teammate.
Makar's projected cap hit could be around $15.1 million, according to AFP Analytics. This would be a significant investment for the Avalanche, but one that could pay off given Makar's talent and dedication to the team.
The intention is to get a Makar extension done this summer, and with the new CBA kicking in in September 2026, the Avalanche will want to act quickly to secure their star defenseman. On July 1, 2026, the Avalanche can start negotiating with Makar, and a deal could be announced soon after.
The market is changing in a rising-cap world, with salaries trending up and player movement increasing. The Avalanche will want to take a proactive approach with Makar to negotiate before market trends push costs to a new level and gain certainty around their top player and salary-cap outlook.
As the 2027 free-agent class takes shape, Makar's extension will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The deal could have a significant impact on the NHL landscape, and the Avalanche will be hoping to secure their star defenseman for years to come.
On June 29, 2026, the NHL world was abuzz with the news of Makar's potential extension, and fans of the Colorado Avalanche were eagerly awaiting the official announcement. With Makar's talent and dedication to the team, the Avalanche are poised to make a significant investment in their star defenseman.
The Avalanche's president and general manager, Joe Sakic, has made it clear that the team wants to keep Makar in Colorado for the long haul. As the negotiations unfold, fans will be watching closely to see what the future holds for Makar and the Avalanche.
The 2027 NHL UFA watch has begun, and Cale Makar is at the top of the list. With his extension looming, the hockey world is waiting with bated breath to see what the future holds for this talented defenseman.