It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’ve crowned a new Stanley Cup champion with the Carolina Hurricanes beating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. This means the hot stove chatter really amps up with the NHL Draft and free agency starting on July 1. General managers are already thinking about what to do with their rosters. However, that talk isn’t just about the here and now. Some GMs have been setting up for contract situations as far back as the last few seasons.
We could see some free agents of the 2027-28 class sign contract extensions to take themselves off the market. Players entering the last year of their respective deals can sign an extension after July 1.
One major name could come off the board sooner rather than later in the offseason. This edition of NHL rumours deals with where things stand between the Colorado Avalanche and Norris Trophy-winning defenceman Cale Makar.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Update on Talks Between Cale Makar and Colorado Avalanche
Rumour: We offer an update on the all-world defender and the Avalanche. Avalanche president and general manager Joe Sakic appeared on Denver Sports 104.3’s with Will Petersen. Sakic added that “Cale’s going to finish his career here.”
Analysis: That’s a pretty strong endorsement of a player if we’ve ever seen one. Sakic seems determined to reward Makar for being one of the best defenders in the world. Sakic also said, “We already talked to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. He’s got another year, but this summer, we expect to have him signed.”
Avalanche fans have to be happy hearing that news about Makar’s future. Colorado missed their talented blueliner, and it showed in getting swept in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden Knights. Makar is the engine that drives the Avalanche and the team always has lofty expectations.
The defender comes in at a bargain-priced $9 million, and he’ll likely get a hefty and well-deserved raise. Sakic and Colorado seem to be determined to make sure Makar doesn’t even sniff the open market. He’ll also get paid like one of the best defencemen in the world.
This edition of NHL rumours deals with Makar may get and if it could be a maximum length deal of seven years. All signs seem to be pointing towards Sakic breaking the bank to make sure Makar is locked down for as long as possible.
(Credit Image: © Spencer Lee/ZUMA Press Wire)
What It Means
Currently, Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins holds the title of the highest-paid defenceman in the league. The Swede currently carries an average cap hit of $11.5 million, but Makar will likely command much more than that number.
Colorado will have plenty of salary cap space going into the 2027-28 offseason, which would be the first year of Makar’s new deal. The Avalanche will have over $37 million in cap room and much of that will be going Makar’s way.
Makar was the runner-up for the Norris Trophy, but Colorado had another disappointing end to its season. The Avalanche haven’t won a Stanley Cup since hoisting the vaunted silver chalice since 2022. However, it does seem like the team is going to ride with Jared Bednar at least for next season.
The Avs have already seen some changes this offseason with Chris MacFarland heading over to the Central Division rival Nashville Predators. However, it seems like the front office has been planning for the Makar extension. Part of the drama surrounding Mikko Rantanen likely centered around making sure Makar was going to get his well-deserved payday.
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
