Avalanche confident Makar will have new contract before start of season

Colorado Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic expressed confidence on Sunday that defenseman Cale Makar will sign a new contract before the start of the 2026-27 season, stating that dialogue between both sides has been 'great.' Makar is currently in the final year of a six-year, $54 million deal signed in July 2021, and can become an unrestricted free agent after 2026-27. Last season, Makar recorded 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, finishing third among NHL defensemen, and the Avalanche open their season against the Los Angeles Kings on September 30.