Avalanche and Cale Makar Closing in on “Biggie” Contract Extension

One of the summer’s most anticipated pieces of business appears to be closing in. Word is Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms on a new contract extension, setting up what could be a historic extension for the two-time Norris Trophy winner.

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Insider Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday morning that the news was coming before he signed off for a bit, calling the deal “a critical piece of business for the Avalanche” and hinting it’s going to be a big one.

Fans and analysts expected it would get done, and GM Joe Sakic said he wasn’t worried about a deal not being signed before the start of the regular season. The lingering question heading into the deal was always term. While the expectation is that the dollars might be higher than any other NHL player, the real question is how long Makar would agree to stay.

Makar turns 28 at the end of October, putting the Avalanche in a tricky spot: sign him long-term now, or risk negotiating again when he’s in his early 30s. A shorter deal — say, three years — likely just delays the inevitable mega-extension rather than avoiding it. Five or six years looks like the sweet spot: probably his last big payday, while still giving Colorado enough certainty to build around him.

Official numbers should land soon. Stay tuned. Will he hit $20 million per season?

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