While Cale Makar's extension has quietly been looming over the Colorado Avalanche as some of the biggest contracts in NHL history are being signed, things in Colorado have been kept relatively quiet, with President of Hockey Ops and interim general manager having to carefully navigate very limited space this year.
However, speaking ahead of the Avs' Alumni game against the DU Pioneers Alumni, Sakic told reporters, 'We continue talking, and I'm pretty confident that he'll be signed before the season starts.'
Sakic's full appearance can be found here on X, courtesy of Guerilla Sports
While not exactly an update and perhaps more a show of confidence from the savvy ex-Avalanche captain, Sakic's words at the very least should reassure the Avs faithful that the 2x Norris Trophy winner isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Sakic also wasn't worried about contract, stating that any deal announced would be something 'both sides would be comfortable with whatever term it is.'
Makar has certainly earned that kind of trust and respect from the organization, though what that will equal out to in dollar amount is still yet to be seen. This offseason has seen big money contracts handed out to forward corps star's like Leo Carlsson and Macklin Celebrini, but there hasn't been quite as big an explosion in defenseman salaries.
With Quinn Hughes still un-signed in Minnesota and apparently not forthcoming, the Avs may very well find themselves setting the market rate with whatever contract Makar is signed to next.
The Avalanche's 2026-27 season opener is on Tuesday, Sept. 29.