Joe Sakic has stated he is “pretty confident” an agreement will get done before the season begins, and that discussions between the team and Makar’s camp have been constructive. He also indicated that the September 16 CBA deadline is not a major hurdle for the organization. This tone implies negotiations are on solid ground, rather than frayed or stalled.
As the situation stands, there are several critical decisions to navigate. Makar’s prior contract, a six-year deal worth $54 million signed during a flat-cap period, turned out to be one of Sakic’s best moves. The next agreement, in contrast, will reflect a rising salary cap and could push well beyond $10 million per season, potentially reaching into the $16 million to $20 million range. That shift changes the calculus for both sides.
Two logical routes present themselves for the Avalanche:
1) Finalize a deal before the season
The simplest and cleanest option is to complete the contract and move forward. If negotiations stay on track, signing Makar before training camp would remove a major potential distraction and secure his long-term future with Colorado. It would also allow Sakic to cross a significant item off the to-do list during a pivotal period for the franchise.
An eight-year contract could carry symbolic and practical advantages. Under the current terms, the team can still offer eight years, which would bind Makar to Colorado for the majority of his prime. This length could help cement his status as a franchise-defining player and provide a stable foundation for the team’s future.
However, there is a potential caveat: Makar’s representation might favor a shorter term. A shorter deal could give him flexibility to cash in again when the cap is higher, even if it yields a slightly higher annual cap hit later. In that scenario, waiting until after September 16 could be a strategic move for both sides.
2) Wait and see
Delaying a decision could also be a viable strategy for Colorado. If Makar doesn’t sign before the season, it doesn’t necessarily signal a breakdown in negotiations. The team might opt to maintain leverage and flexibility, especially if another season of strong performance strengthens Makar’s value.
A shorter-term agreement could be appealing, preserving cap space now while allowing both sides to revisit the terms when the cap is even higher. Waiting until after the season could also keep negotiations out of the spotlight during a race for another Stanley Cup run. A successful season could influence the terms in favor of Makar and the Avalanche, reinforcing the team’s commitment to staying competitive.
Beyond the numbers, the core issues extend to term, timing, competitiveness, and legacy. The way this agreement is structured will influence the franchise’s trajectory and Makar’s place in Avalanche history.
The consensus from team leadership remains positive: there is no evident sense of panic, and the expectation is that an agreement will eventually be reached. For Avalanche fans, the immediate takeaway is that the contract will be resolved, and the key question becomes what form it will take and what it signals about the team’s long-term plan.
In sum, the contract discussion centers on balancing security for Makar with the Avalanche’s ability to maintain a competitive roster under a rising salary cap. Whether the settlement comes before the season or after, the aim is to lock in a cornerstone player while preserving flexibility for other strategic moves. The forthcoming terms will reflect not only financial considerations but also the franchise’s vision for the next era of Avalanche hockey.
