Martin Necas’ impending free agency has significantly influenced much of the narrative surrounding the Colorado Avalanche during training camp.
Yes, the Necas contract situation is a critical one. But there is another even bigger contract situation looming.
Avalanche Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Cale Makar is heading into the fifth year of his six-year contract. He’s coming off a mind-shocking 30-goal, 92-point season. By all standards, it was one of the best seasons by a blueliner in NHL history.
But beyond the impressive showing, Makar’s potential run at free agency in the summer of 2027 has some Avalanche fans preemptively biting their nails.
But is it too soon for Colorado fans to worry about Makar’s contract?
On the surface, it is. Makar won’t be eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2026. If he doesn’t ink a deal immediately, questions will begin to surface. The discussion will focus on why Makar hasn’t signed until he does.
The longer he goes without signing, the louder the questions will get. Now, you would have to think that the Avalanche’s forward planning must consider Makar’s new contract into the equation.
Fortunately, the rising salary cap will vastly help the Avalanche handle that situation. But then again, this isn’t just any other run-of-the-mill top-pairing defenseman we’re talking about. It’s the best D-man in the NHL who will be looking to land his next contract.
Colorado Avalanche, Makar closely monitoring contracts this season
In earlier posts, I’ve talked about how Martin Necas’ camp is likely holding its breath, waiting to see the resolution for players like Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.
But those contracts could also greatly impact how much the Avalanche will need to shell out for Makar down the line.
While Makar may not be on par with Connor McDavid, McDavid’s deal could set the tone for Makar.
Think about it. If McDavid signs for $18 million AAV or more, would Makar’s camp settle for $10 or $12 million?
Another Norris Trophy season could easily push Makar’s AAV into the $16 million range. If Kaprizov and McDavid top $19 million, would it be unreasonable for the NHL’s best defenseman to land $17 million?
It’s a tough question to ponder. If Makar hits the open market, several GMs out there would sell their souls to pay Makar whatever he wanted.
Then again, Makar could be willing to give the Avs a bit of a break. Perhaps a shorter-term deal, something in the three-to-four-year range at a slightly lower AAV, could get the deal done.
The biggest consideration here will be just how much Makar’s camp wants to push the environment. Makar’s representation, Brian and Scott Bartlett, has a good track record of negotiating win-win deals.
For instance, the deal they got for Brock Faber with the Wild was a solid one for both sides. The same could be said about J.T. Miller’s deal originally with Vancouver, now with the New York Rangers.
So, there’s a chance the Bartlett agency could work with the Avalanche to work out something that ensures Makar gets paid, while giving the team a bit of a break. Hopefully, that’s not wishful thinking.