Sakic Confident Cale Makar Extension Will Be Signed Before Season Starts

Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic expects to finalize a contract extension for two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar before the upcoming season.

DENVER — Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic confirmed Sunday at Magness Arena that he expects a contract extension for defenseman Cale Makar to be finalized before the start of the regular season. Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, is coming off a campaign where he recorded 20 goals and 59 assists. Sakic, who recently resumed the general manager duties following Chris MacFarland’s departure to the Nashville Predators, stated that dialogue remains positive regarding the long-term deal for the franchise’s top blueliner.

During an alumni game against University of Denver former players, Sakic returned to the ice on a line featuring Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk. The Hall of Fame executive scored an early goal off a pass from Hejduk. The event served as a memorial for Claude Lemieux, a member of the 1995-96 Stanley Cup championship team who passed away in May at the age of 60. Lemieux was a key figure during the franchise's inaugural season in Denver after the move from Quebec.

Roster Adjustments and Salary Cap Management

To facilitate the financial requirements of a potential Makar agreement, Sakic executed a significant trade this offseason by sending Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets. This transaction removed Nichushkin’s $6.125 million annual salary cap hit from the books, which had four seasons remaining. In exchange, Colorado received draft picks, providing the flexibility needed to negotiate with Makar in a market recently reset by Bowen Byram’s six-year, $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Sakic noted that he is not concerned about the rising market for defensemen, despite Byram’s deal making him the highest-paid player at the position. The Avalanche front office is aiming to have the Makar paperwork completed prior to the commencement of training camp. Sakic reiterated that when an agreement is reached, the club will formally announce the terms to keep the star defenseman in Denver well into the future.

Coaching Status and Team Performance

While the focus remains on the roster, Sakic also addressed the status of head coach Jared Bednar. Bednar is entering the final year of his current contract. Despite the lack of a new deal for the coach who led Colorado to the 2022 Stanley Cup title, Sakic expressed no urgency, noting that many players and coaches have entered the final year of their agreements in the past. Bednar currently holds the franchise record for the most wins by a head coach.

Colorado enters the new season following a year in which they secured the best record in the NHL. However, their previous postseason run ended in the Western Conference Final, where they were swept by the Vegas Golden Knights. The alumni weekend allowed former players like Forsberg to reflect on the team's history, including the 2000-01 championship, while observing Sakic’s dual role as president of hockey operations and general manager.

Alumni Reflections at Magness Arena

Peter Forsberg, who participated in the weekend festivities despite ongoing foot issues that limit his skating, praised Sakic’s management style. The game provided a venue for the 1996 and 2001 championship alumni to congregate and share stories from their playing days. Forsberg joked about his own playing form and the possibility of being benched while expressing his satisfaction with Sakic returning to the GM role.

The Avalanche organization continues to prioritize stability as training camp approaches. With the Nichushkin trade providing cap relief and the ongoing discussions with Makar's representatives, the front office is focused on maintaining the core that won the title in 2022. Sakic concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the current dialogue with Makar is great and that the team remains optimistic about the timeline for the signature.