One of the biggest contract decisions of the summer looks close to being settled, and it centers on the player who drives so much of Colorado’s identity. Cale Makar and the Avalanche have agreed to terms on a new extension, with the deal expected to be a major one for the two-time Norris Trophy winner.
Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday morning that the news was coming before he signed off for a bit, and he described the extension as “a critical piece of business for the Avalanche.” He also indicated it is going to be a significant contract.
There was never much doubt that the sides would eventually get something done. GM Joe Sakic said he wasn’t concerned about the possibility of the deal not being in place before the regular season begins.
The bigger question was always the length of the contract. The belief is that Makar’s next deal could top every other NHL player in dollars, but the real issue has been how many years he would commit to.
Makar turns 28 at the end of October, which puts Colorado in a familiar but difficult spot: lock him in for the long haul now, or face another round of negotiations when he’s in his early 30s. A shorter contract, such as three years, would only push the next massive extension further down the road. A five- or six-year agreement seems like the most logical middle ground, giving Makar what could be his final huge payday while giving the Avalanche the stability they need around him.
In Other News...
Avalanche Fans Suddenly Have A Bigger Reason To Watch Makars Deal
Cale Makar is expected to sign a contract extension with the Avalanche, a move that would only reinforce how central he is to Colorados future. The organization has not made anything official yet, but the anticipation around a new deal has already become part of the bigger picture for a team that has been built around elite talent on the back end.
Connor Hellebuyck has also become part of the conversation after his agent publicly requested a trade from Winnipeg, and that has naturally sparked some speculation about Colorados possible interest. Nothing has been confirmed, and the idea remains conjecture, but it is the kind of twist that can quickly give Avalanche fans another reason to keep an eye on the rumor mill while they wait on Makars deal. [Read more 🡒]
Cale Makar And Avalanche Are Closing In On A Massive Deal
The Avalanche have made keeping Cale Makar a clear priority, and the next step appears to be a long-term extension for the star defenseman as he heads into the final season of his current contract. Makar is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July, and the deal being discussed would not even kick in until the 2027-28 season, a reminder that Colorado is planning far beyond the immediate future.
Joe Sakic said he expects the contract to be wrapped up before training camp, which would remove one of the biggest lingering questions around the roster. If the sides finish the job, Makar could land among the NHL's highest-paid players, a fitting marker for a player who has become central to everything Colorado wants to do moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Prospect Francesco DellElce Is Suddenly Worth Watching Closely
Francesco DellElce has gone from interesting depth piece to a prospect worth tracking more closely in the Avalanche pipeline. The 21-year-old defenseman at UMass landed No. 7 in Mile High Hockeys Top 25 Under 25 for the organization on Sept. 1, a recognition that reflects both his upside and the way his game fits Colorados preferences on the blue line. Drafted 77th overall in 2025 as a re-entry, DellElce has drawn notice for the skating and leadership traits that can play in an Avalanche system that values mobility and quick decision-making.
For Colorado, the intrigue is not just about where he stands now, but how quickly he could move into the picture. DellElce is viewed as a promising prospect who may be in position to sign after his junior year, which gives the Avalanche a longer runway to watch his development while keeping him on the radar as one of the more notable names in the group. If his progress at UMass keeps matching the early impressions, he could become a much bigger part of the conversation than a mid-round pick usually does. [Read more 🡒]