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ItalianoCale Makar contract extension looms as Avalanche juggle Lehkonen talks
Cale Makar’s extension now the Avalanche’s top priority after July 1st deadline
Cale Makar’s contract extension is the Avalanche’s biggest summer story after July 1st, 2026, pushed the team to focus on the star defenseman before turning to Artturi Lehkonen. Joe Sakic has already said a deal will get done this summer, but the Avalanche must balance Makar’s future with Lehkonen’s expiring deal.
What the July 1st date means for Makar’s future
July 1st marked the first day the Avalanche could officially negotiate with Makar, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The rising salary cap-projected to hit $113 million by 2027-28-means the Avalanche can’t wait. A Norris-caliber season from Makar could make this summer’s offer look like a discount by next July.
Why Lehkonen’s extension is tangled with Makar’s talks
Sakic confirmed the Avalanche will finalize Makar’s deal this summer, but Lehkonen’s five-year, $22.5 million pact expires after 2026-27. At 32 with injury concerns, Lehkonen’s next contract isn’t straightforward. The Avalanche need to weigh his playoff impact against his injury history and rising cap numbers.
How the Avalanche must navigate rising cap space
The Avalanche are excited about the cap jump after years of stagnation during COVID-19, but Sakic’s front office must avoid overcommitting. Lehkonen’s playoff production-216 points in 300 regular-season games-is elite when healthy, but his missed time (only two seasons over 70 games) complicates talks. The Avalanche can’t afford to overpay for potential.
What Lehkonen’s next deal could look like
Lehkonen’s value hinges on playoff performance and durability. Comparisons to Valeri Nichushkin-another injury-prone winger-highlight the risk. Recent deals like Victor Arvidsson’s two-year, $8 million pact ($4M AAV) or Tyler Toffoli’s three-year, $16.2 million ($5.4M AAV) show the market for wingers his age. The Avalanche must decide: short-term security or a riskier long-term bet?