Overview
- Joe Sakic said Sunday he is “pretty confident” negotiations with Cale Makar are productive and that a long-term extension will be completed before the 2026–27 season begins.
- Makar is entering the final year of his six-year contract and would become an unrestricted free agent next July if no extension is reached.
- The Sept. 16 CBA change will cut the maximum in-team contract term from eight years to seven, which creates a practical deadline for an eight-year deal and shapes term choices for both sides.
- Colorado cleared salary-cap room this offseason by trading Valeri Nichushkin, a move the team says gives it flexibility to pursue a large, long-term contract for Makar.
- Rising league benchmarks and a projected salary-cap increase mean Makar is expected to command a much higher average annual value than his current $9 million, and Colorado’s decision on term could affect future re-pay cycles for other star players.