Makar’s Extension Hinges on the NHL’s Next CBA Deadline, Not Just the AAV

The Colorado Avalanche’s offseason planning has developed a central storyline around Cale Makar, one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen. Yahoo Sports reported that the key issue in Makar’s contract extension discussions is less about the number on the offer and more about how long it could run, particularly with major collective bargaining changes arriving just over a month away.

In practical terms, the length of an extension matters because it locks in years of salary structure at a moment when the league’s rules for cap management, contract timing, and related economics may be changing. Even when both sides agree on an annual value conceptually, the “how many seasons” decision can determine whether the player and team benefit more from future flexibility or from negotiating leverage before the new framework is fully in place.

Yahoo’s framing also underscores why Makar’s situation is being watched beyond Colorado. In the modern NHL, top-end defensemen often anchor roster building, power-play efficiency, and long-term identity. When a player of Makar’s impact enters extension talks, the outcome can ripple outward by influencing how other elite players and contending teams approach similar negotiations, especially as they weigh risk and certainty around the post-CBA landscape.

For Colorado, the timing adds urgency. An extension that is reached before the new CBA takes effect could help the Avalanche stabilize their core and plan around an expected window of competitiveness. But if the negotiations extend past the transition period, the team could be forced to navigate uncertainties tied to the new rules, potentially affecting how easily it can balance long-term commitments against near-term roster needs.

The reported emphasis on “how long” also hints at a broader strategic math. Longer deals can protect a player’s earning power across more years, while teams often prefer shorter or more flexible structures when they anticipate rule-driven changes. With the Avalanche already built around high-end talent, Colorado’s preference likely centers on locking in performance without sacrificing future maneuvering room under whatever the new CBA ultimately looks like in operation.

Makar’s extension remains a moving target in part because the NHL offseason is a crowded period, with teams simultaneously evaluating their entire salary sheet and role group while accounting for upcoming rule changes. That creates an environment where deadlines and leverage points can shift quickly, making “when” a deal gets done nearly as consequential as “what” gets agreed to.

What to watch next is straightforward: any confirmed movement from Colorado and Makar’s representatives on an extension term. If a deal is finalized before the new CBA implementation window, it could be read as a choice to reduce uncertainty and secure the core. If negotiations stretch, the duration debate will likely remain front and center, reflecting how teams and players are preparing for a post-CBA era where contract structure becomes an even sharper tool.