Could 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) seems on throughout the second interval in sport 4 of the second spherical of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in opposition to the Minnesota Wild at Grand On line casino Area. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures The Colorado Avalanche wish to signal star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his profession with the group, president of hockey operations and basic supervisor Joe Sakic stated on Thursday.
Makar, 27, is eligible to signal an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs by the 2026-27 season. He has performed his total profession with the Avalanche, who chosen him fourth total within the 2017 NHL Draft.
“Cale goes to complete his profession right here,” Sakic stated. “We’re already speaking to his agent, so we’re assured that one thing’s going to get labored out in some unspecified time in the future. I imply, he is acquired one other yr, however this summer time we count on to have him signed.”
A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy because the NHL’s prime defenseman, Makar totaled 79 factors (20 targets, 59 assists) and a plus-32 ranking in 75 video games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive yr and fell simply quick on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Makar added 5 factors (4 targets, one help) and a plus-5 ranking in 11 playoff video games whereas coping with an upper-body damage.
He has 507 profession factors (136 targets, 371 assists), a plus-168 ranking, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season video games. He has 26 targets and 90 factors with a plus-28 ranking, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff video games.
Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most useful participant of the Stanley Cup playoffs within the 2021-22 season.
A 3-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Yr in 2019-20 and prime defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.
The Avalanche gained the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s greatest file (55-16-11, 121 factors), then eradicated the Los Angeles Kings in 4 video games and the Minnesota Wild in 5 earlier than getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights within the Western Convention finals.
Sakic, who beforehand had served as Avalanche basic supervisor earlier than turning into president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland grew to become president and GM of the Nashville Predators.
Sakic on Thursday stated the teaching employees is staying intact, together with head coach Jared Bednar, who’s going into the ultimate season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the group for 10 common seasons (445-262-75) and 9 playoff runs (60-41), together with capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.
“He is acquired the boldness from the gamers,” Sakic stated. “It is clear from all people, from gamers, the employees, that he is the correct man. They respect him, they love taking part in for him, and that is an enormous factor. And after we have a look at it for this group, he is the very best coach. He is the very best coach for the group, and we’re assured in that call.
“He isn’t simply the coach, I imply, he is the voice of the of the group, and, like I stated, the gamers actually consider in him, and I am going with the gamers.”
–Discipline Stage Media
