There’s one date that stands out as the most significant in the entire Cale Makar extension saga. And it could be the reason why a deal has not happened yet.
That date is September 16, 2026, and it’s the day the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) comes into effect.
We’ve talked about this before here at Mile High Sticking. The date is significant because numerous changes will affect NHL contracts moving forward. Specifically, the biggest change that could impact Makar’s next contract is the reduction from a max-term eight-year deal to seven years.
In that regard, Makar and the Avalanche may be at a bit of a stalemate.
There’s no question the Avalanche would love to get Makar locked up for eight years BEFORE the September 16 changes come into effect.
Meanwhile, Makar’s camp is likely slow-walking negotiations until after the date in question. The reason is simple. It’s not that Makar doesn’t want to re-sign in Colorado. It’s that he doesn’t want to go the full term.
A recent article in RG Media underscored why Makar and Quinn Hughes are in the same boat. Essentially, the two stars are looking to give themselves one more chance at a massive payday before their careers are over.
“Both signed six-year deals at a time where everyone was signing for eight. They’re the two best defencemen in the game. They can sign short or medium term at upwards of $18M now, and get a final kick at the can at age 30 or 31 for more than what the max salary is today.”
If the comment is right, the issue is not money. It’s term.
Avalanche may have no choice but to wait
If we take this comment at face value, it could indicate that Makar’s camp is purposely delaying a contract signing past September 16. On that day, the Avalanche could no longer push for eight years. The most they could push for is seven.
At that point, signing a five-year deal wouldn’t look all that bad. Even a six-year contract would look like a great deal for Colorado.
Assuming that Makar signs at 5 x $18 million, we’re looking at a $90 million total package for the NHL’s best defenseman.
There might still be a hometown discount in play
There’s another item to consider. Makar may be willing to give the Avalanche a hometown discount just to help the team remain competitive. Colorado could reciprocate that situation by loading up his contract with signing bonuses.
Now, the new CBA restricts the overall amount of bonus money given to players to 60% of the contract’s total value. If the Avs go that route, they could bring down Makar’s overall tax bill, potentially keeping his AAV under $18 million.
If that were the case, it would mean Makar signing for an even shorter term. At a lower price tag, a two or three-year deal would be in play.
That’s nothing more than speculation at this point. But it’s something worth keeping in mind. We’ll likely hear sudden movement on the Makar front after September 16. Unless Colorado was somehow willing to knock Makar’s socks off beforehand, an extension, whatever it may be, could come down after said date.
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