Contract negotiations in the NHL are always a hot topic, but one particular situation is reportedly brewing into something explosive. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the upcoming contract talks for a top defenseman could trigger a "nuclear explosion" across the league.
All eyes are on Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar as potentially the next major contract saga in the NHL. Makar, currently playing under a six-year, $54 million contract with a $9 million cap hit, will be eligible to sign an extension in July 2026. However, speculation is already mounting about the figures his next deal could reach.
Friedman fueled the fire by suggesting that the Avalanche might be prepared to offer Makar a blank check when negotiations commence. This bold statement underscores Makar's immense value to the team and his standing as one of the league's most dominant players.
Makar's performance speaks for itself. In the past two seasons, he has consistently surpassed the 90-point mark, achieving a career-high 30 goals and 92 points in the 2024-25 season. His trophy cabinet includes two Norris Trophies, awarded to the NHL's best defenseman, and four All-Star selections. Furthermore, he has consistently ranked among the top three in Norris Trophy voting every year, except for his rookie season.
The Avalanche's commitment to securing Makar's future is evident in their past decisions. Friedman revealed that the team's move involving Mikko Rantanen was influenced by long-term planning for Makar's next contract. This demonstrates the organization's foresight and dedication to building around their star defenseman.
While the exact numbers remain a mystery, Makar's next contract is projected to be record-breaking. Recent contracts signed by young, prominent defensemen like Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks, both securing $9 million per year, have set a new benchmark in the market. Hughes inked a seven-year deal, while LaCombe committed for eight years. These deals are already influencing negotiations with other young defensemen, such as Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, whose contract talks are attracting significant attention amidst the evolving NHL market.
The rising salary cap also plays a crucial role in these negotiations. With projections suggesting a potential increase of nearly $12 million next season, teams have more financial flexibility to lock in their key players. However, a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) taking effect in September 2026 will change contract limits, reducing maximum terms for new deals to six years and extensions to seven years. This adds another layer of complexity to the timing and structure of Makar's upcoming contract.
Connor McDavid's recent contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers further complicates the landscape. McDavid, despite being eligible for a much higher salary, opted for a shorter, two-year deal at a lower annual value. This decision puts pressure on other star players to consider team-friendly deals, although responses have been mixed, with some seeing McDavid's situation as unique.
As the NHL anticipates the "nuclear explosion" of Makar's contract, it is clear that this deal will not only reshape the Avalanche's future but also have a ripple effect across the entire league. The figures involved, the contract structure, and the precedent it sets will be closely watched by players, agents, and team executives alike.
