The Colorado Avalanche entered the 2023-24 season as the team to beat. A stunning 55-16-11 record, a Presidents’ Trophy, and a roster stacked with elite talent had fans and analysts alike penciling them in for a deep Stanley Cup run. But then came the Vegas Golden Knights—a four-game demolition in the Western Conference Finals that left the Avs searching for answers.
Now, as the offseason heats up, the franchise is facing what insiders describe as a make-or-break moment. And it all centers on one man: defenseman Cale Makar.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Colorado president of hockey operations Joe Sakic has reportedly made a stunning, definitive promise regarding Makar’s future with the team. The bomb shell was dropped during a conversation with team beat reporter Corey Masisak, who posted Sakic’s exact words on social media.
“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic allegedly declared.
That kind of ironclad statement from a front-office legend has sent shockwaves through the league. Insiders say Sakic’s vow signals that the Avalanche are prepared to do whatever it takes—including shattering the NHL’s current salary ceiling—to lock down their franchise cornerstone.
The Makar Factor—Is a Record-Breaking Payday Coming?
Makar, 27, is coming off another dominant campaign. Averaging 24:50 of ice time per night, he anchored Colorado’s blue line alongside fellow star Devon Toews. His 79 points—highlighted by 59 assists—proved yet again that he is the league’s most complete defenseman.
But here’s where things get explosive: Makar is entering the final year of his current contract, which pays him $9 million annually. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, sources say Makar’s camp is eyeing a historic payday. For context, Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov’s new extension—kicking in next season—pays a staggering $17 million per year. Rumors are swirling that Makar could surpass that figure, potentially becoming the highest-paid player in NHL history.
“Don’t be surprised if Makar gets something north of $18 million,” one NHL insider told us. “The Avalanche know they have a generational talent. If they let him walk—or even get to free agency—it would be an unmitigated disaster. Sakic understands that.”
What This Means for the Avalanche—and the Rest of the League
If Sakic delivers on his promise, it will set a new benchmark for defensemen across the NHL. But the decision isn’t without risk. A massive contract could handcuff the Avs’ salary cap flexibility, potentially forcing tough choices elsewhere on the roster.
Still, fans are buzzing with excitement. Sacramento’s declaration has reportedly energized the locker room, with teammates privately expressing relief that their star blueliner isn’t going anywhere. “We all know what Cale means to this team,” one unnamed Avalanche player told us. “Hearing that from Joe? It’s huge. It shows we’re all in.”
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Denver. Will Sakic make good on his word and hand Makar a record-breaking deal? Or will negotiations stall, leaving the hockey world to wonder what could have been? One thing is certain: Joe Sakic just raised the stakes—and the NHL may never be the same.
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