Cale Makar’s record-setting contract is no drop in the bucket. The $20.4 million AAV is the highest ever for an NHLer.
As expensive as the contract seems, it’s highly valuable for the Colorado Avalanche. The contract gives the organization certainty.
Before August 28, 2026, all sorts of scenarios played out in the media. Here at Mile High Sticking, we wargamed numerous scenarios, including trade possibilities.
All of those conversations are totally moot now. There’s no point in discussing trades or alternative arrangements. Now, the focus is on the season ahead and how the massive cap hit will affect the Avalanche’s ability to build the team moving forward.
That certitude, the value in knowing how much keeping Makar will actually cost, allows the Avs to plan other additions, re-signings, and trades, not so much for this season, but beyond.
That’s crucial for a team looking to win multiple Stanley Cups. Since Colorado isn’t focused on winning in two to five years, it makes sense to go all-in now. It allows Joe Sakic to visualize how much cap room he’s got to play with as decisions on other players like Artturi Lehkonen and Nic Roy loom in the distance.
Avalanche signal belief that championship window is far from dwindling
One of the narratives surrounding the Avalanche is that their championship window is beginning to dwindle.
The belief stems from the fact that the Avs are one of the oldest teams in the league. It also hinges on the fact that the organization doesn’t have one of the most robust prospect pipelines.
While those statements are real, signing Makar to the deal they did signals that the Avalanche believe their championship window will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Otherwise, why would Makar max-out his deal?
If there were serious concerns about Colorado’s long-term viability, the likeliest outcome would have been a short-term deal. A shorter deal, say, around four years, would have signaled more of a wait-and-see attitude by Makar’s camp.
Instead, Makar has shown he’s committed to the organization long-term. That’s a valuable message that the Avalanche fanbase should not ignore.
With the uncertainty now officially over, the time has come for Colorado to get down to serious business. While there may still be rumors involving Connor Hellebuyck floating around, the bottom line is that the Avs now have no more excuses. Makar is locked up, and so it’s time to hit the ground running.
The time has come to prove that last year’s Western Conference Final appearance was just a precursor to what’s in store for this season.
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