Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar has now become the focus of the next major contract signing. Makar still has two years remaining on his current deal. He’ll be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2026.
But that situation has not deterred speculation regarding Makar’s next contract. As NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted in the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts blog, Cale Makar could be the next “nuclear explosion” to take place in the NHL.
In particular, Friedman highlighted how the Colorado Avalanche could just pay him whatever he wants.
Friedman noted:
“Now that Kaprizov and McDavid are done, all eyes are on Cale Makar as the next potential nuclear explosion. Colorado’s been preparing for it, and may just hand him a blank cheque.”
Blank cheque?
That could mean just about any number Makar wants. The Avalanche may have no other choice but to pay him. That’ll be fine with fans as long as it doesn’t cripple the team’s chances to remain competitive in the long run.
Of course, another Stanley Cup will make it much easier for the Avalanche to pay Makar. But then again, both sides must be cognizant of other contracts that will need attention moving forward.
Could Cale Makar cut Colorado Avalanche a “McDavid” deal?
Connor McDavid was believed to be the piece that set off a chain reaction throughout the league. Had he eclipsed Kirill Kaprizov’s deal, an arms race would have ensued throughout the NHL. His selfless act in giving the Oilers a break likely took the wind out of the potential bidding war for the league’s biggest stars.
With that in mind, could Cale Makar pull a “McDavid” and give the Avalanche a break on a short-term deal?
It’s possible, depending on where the Avalanche are this season. If the Avalanche are poised to make a long playoff run, Makar could take one for the team. But if the Avalanche regress, questions may emerge about his willingness to re-up on a long-term deal.
McDavid proved that winning, at least in the short run, is more important than money. That’s why this season will be more important than ever for the Avalanche. Colorado is all in. They cannot afford to leave anything to chance.
GM Chris MacFarland and company have to focus on building the sort of team that Cale Makar can see as a serious Stanley Cup contender. Thus far, the consensus is that they are. But it’s one thing to have a strong preseason ranking, and it’s another entirely different animal to win on the ice.
That’s why it has to be Stanley Cup or bust for the Colorado Avalanche in 2025-26.