Overview
- As of early August 2026, Cale Makar remains unsigned and the Colorado Avalanche have publicly prioritized getting an extension done while negotiations continue.
- Two recent contracts have reset the top of the market with Leo Carlsson at an $18 million AAV and Macklin Celebrini at an $18.8 million AAV, giving Makar stronger comparables to cite.
- The NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement takes effect on Sept. 16, 2026 and will reduce the maximum term for team‑signed deals from eight years to seven years, creating urgency for any eight‑year offer.
- Projections for an eight‑year Makar deal vary widely in total value, with published estimates ranging roughly from about $132 million up to $151.2 million depending on annual average value and term assumptions.
- Colorado must weigh offering a potential record‑setting salary against preserving salary‑cap flexibility to keep a championship roster intact, and the outcome will likely influence top‑end contract benchmarks across the league.