Cale Makar Extension Questions Emerge

The NHL's salary structure has broken into new dizzying heights this summer, thanks to the Leo Carlsson $18 million offer sheet and subsequent matching by the Anaheim Ducks. We have since seen an $18.8 million AAV deal signed by Macklin Celebrini.

So who's next to break the mold and set a new high for an NHL contract? It certainly could be Cale Makar, the Colorado Avalanche's dynamic defenseman and annual Norris Trophy candidate. 

He's been eligible to sign an extension since July 1st, but it's not the AAV or cap hit that has many in Colorado asking questions—it's the term. 

Those breakthrough contracts for Carlsson & Celebrini (and Connor Bedard's $15M AAV deal, for that matter), were all for just five years in length. Some around the Avalanche are concerned that Makar won't be looking for the maximum term of eight years. 

"There is one question that not many are asking enough, and it's a sign that is showing this summer in terms of contract extensions and signings: how long will Makar sign for?" asked Stefano Rubino of The Hockey News.

Insider Elliotte Friedman recently asked the same question. 

I think one of the big questions about him is going to be term. 

Does Makar really want 8 years? I don't know that he's gonna wanna do 8 years.

While that maximum term limit is currently still on the table, it drops to just seven years for a player signing an extension with his own team after Sept. 15th as the new CBA kicks in. For a player signing with another team in free agency, the max will be six years.  

With the salary cap going up to $104 million this season, the maximum salary a player can get (20% of the cap) is a $20.8 million AAV. Friedman doesn't believe that Makar will max out, in order to leave the Avs some wiggle room for other moves. 

 

Makar currently has one season remaining on his six-year, $54 million contract ($9 million AAV). He is set to more than double that annual salary.