Joe Sakic Laces Up the Skates One More Time While Cale Makar's Future Quietly Takes Shape

It was a nostalgic Sunday night at Magness Arena in Denver, where some of the most legendary names in Colorado Avalanche history hit the ice for an alumni game against the University of Denver alumni. Joe Sakic, the Hall of Fame forward turned front office executive, found himself skating on a line with Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk, just like the old days. He even potted an early goal off a feed from Hejduk. But while the memories and camaraderie were flowing freely, the real storyline of the evening had nothing to do with what happened between the boards.

Before stepping onto the ice, Sakic addressed the elephant in the room for every Avs fan heading into the 2026-27 season: the contract status of superstar defenseman Cale Makar.

Sakic's Calm Confidence on the Makar Extension

Makar, now 27, is heading into the final year of a six-year, $54-million deal he signed back in July 2021, a contract that carries a $9-million annual cap hit. He became eligible to sign an extension on July 1, and the clock is ticking on a key deadline. If Makar puts pen to paper before September 15, his new deal can carry an eight-year term. After that date, the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement caps the maximum length at seven years.

Sakic, who serves as the Avalanche's president of hockey operations and has resumed GM duties following Chris MacFarland's departure to the Nashville Predators, didn't seem remotely stressed about the situation. He told reporters he's "pretty confident" Makar will be signed before the season begins, adding that the dialogue between the two sides has been productive.

"I'm not worried about it. I don't think Cale's worried about it," Sakic said. "When there's an agreement, we'll gladly announce it. Hopefully something will be done before the start of training camp."

When asked about the rising market for elite defensemen, including Bowen Byram's massive $75-million, six-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks that made him the highest-paid blueliner in the league, Sakic played it cool. "Really? I haven't noticed that," he joked. Some have speculated that Makar's new deal could approach or even surpass the $18-million annual salary currently held by Anaheim's Leo Carlsson, which would set a new benchmark for defensemen. Sakic declined to get into specifics about term or money, simply saying both sides will be comfortable with whatever they agree upon.

Why Makar Is Worth Every Penny

It's hard to overstate just how dominant Cale Makar has been since entering the NHL. The Calgary native posted 79 points in 75 regular-season games last year, following up campaigns of 90 and 92 points in the two seasons prior. Over seven NHL seasons, he's racked up 136 goals and 371 assists for 507 career regular-season points in just 470 games. In the playoffs, he's been equally impressive, with 90 points across 90 postseason contests.

Makar's trophy case is already overflowing. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup run, has captured the Norris Trophy twice, and took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. On the international stage, he earned gold at the 2018 World Junior Championships, gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Before going pro, he dominated college hockey at UMass-Amherst, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2018-19.

Makar did deal with an upper-body injury during Colorado's run to the Western Conference Final this past spring, where the Avalanche were ultimately swept by the Vegas Golden Knights after posting the best record in the regular season. However, Sakic said he has "no concerns" about having a fully healthy roster when training camp opens.

The Avalanche also made some cap-clearing moves this offseason, shipping Valeri Nichushkin and his $6.125-million cap hit to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for draft picks. That kind of financial maneuvering could be crucial in making the numbers work on a long-term Makar extension.

Colorado opens its 2026-27 campaign against the Los Angeles Kings on September 30. If Sakic's confidence is any indication, Makar should have a shiny new contract well before then. For Avs fans, that's about the best news you can get heading into the fall.