The Colorado Avalanche aren’t messing around, folks. Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet just dropped the news that’s going to echo across the entire league: Cale Makar, their absolute superstar defenseman, is reportedly “closing in” on a massive contract extension. This isn’t just another signing, this is the kind of deal that shifts the market, and the Avs are making sure they don’t head into the 2026-27 season with their generational talent on an expiring contract.
Makar’s Ridiculous Resumé Speaks For Itself
Let’s be real, Makar isn’t just good; he’s a cheat code on skates. We’re talking about a two-time Norris Trophy winner here. That isn’t just a fancy title, it screams elite, foundational talent. This guy helped lead the Avalanche to the 2022 Stanley Cup, carving his name into championship history. And get this: he’s fresh off his sixth straight point-per-game season. For a defenseman! That’s absurd consistency and offensive firepower from the blue line, year after year. It’s no wonder the Avs are prioritizing locking him down long-term. His performance practically demands a record-setting deal, and it sounds like that’s exactly what’s coming.
A New Benchmark For Blueliners Is Coming
So, what are we talking about here in terms of cold, hard cash? The current benchmark for a defenseman’s contract in the NHL is held by Bowen Byram of the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a six-year, $75 million extension in July, which works out to a cool $12.5 million AAV. That’s a huge number, right? Well, according to the rumors, Makar could potentially surpass that annual average value. Think about that for a second. We’re about to witness a contract that could reset the salary expectations for every elite defenseman in the league. This isn’t just big for Makar and the Avs; it’s a tremor across the entire NHL. Every general manager and every top-tier blueliner is watching this one unfold.
This extension ensures that Makar is going to be an Avalanche for the foreseeable future, anchoring their defense for years to come. The official announcement is still pending, but when it drops, expect to see the terms for what will likely be the most lucrative defenseman deal in the league. Get ready for the 2026-27 season; Makar’s got a fresh contract coming and he’ll be ready to prove he’s worth every single penny.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply