Cale Makar Is Finishing His Career In Denver, And Avalanche Fans Should Be Losing Their Minds

Hold up, hockey fans! Just when you thought the offseason drama might be slowing down, Colorado Avalanche President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic just dropped a bomb. He's pledging that star defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, is going to finish his entire career rocking the burgundy and blue. Seriously, he said it straight up. Talk about a statement!

Sakic's Ironclad Guarantee

Sakic wasn't just speculating, folks. He knows how to build a winner, and he’s making it clear Makar isn't going anywhere. The 27-year-old blueliner is eligible to sign an extension on July 1. His current six-year, $54 million contract runs through the 2026-27 season. But Sakic isn't waiting. He literally said, "Cale is going to finish his career here. We're already talking to his agent... this summer we expect to have him signed." You hear that? "This summer we expect to have him signed." That's the kind of confidence that makes you believe it. Makar has been with the Avs his whole career since they drafted him fourth overall back in 2017. Loyalty like that is gold in today's NHL.

Makar's Insane Numbers Speak for Themselves

And why wouldn't Sakic want Makar locked down forever? The dude is an absolute force. This season alone, Makar tallied a ridiculous 79 points, bagging 20 goals and 59 assists in 75 games, all while rocking a plus-32 rating. He was a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth year in a row, only just missing out on his third win to first-timer Zach Werenski from Columbus. Even battling an upper-body injury in the playoffs, Makar put up five points, including four goals, and a plus-5 rating in 11 games. His career numbers are just bonkers: 507 points, 136 goals, and 371 assists in 470 regular season games, plus a ridiculous plus-168 rating. In 90 playoff games, he's added 26 goals and 90 points. Let's not forget his trophy case: Conn Smythe in 2021-22, Calder Memorial Trophy winner as Rookie of the Year in 2019-20, and those two Norris Trophies. This isn't just a good defenseman, this is an all-timer in the making.

What This Means for the Avalanche's Future

This commitment to Makar comes hot on the heels of another big announcement from Sakic. The new GM, who just took over this month after Chris MacFarland headed to Nashville, also confirmed that the entire coaching staff, including Head Coach Jared Bednar, is staying put. Bednar is entering the final year of his contract, but Sakic made it crystal clear he's their guy. "He's got the confidence from the players," Sakic stated, "It's clear from everybody... he's the best coach for the group." This stability at the top makes sense for a team that just won the Presidents' Trophy with a league-best 55-16-11 record for 121 points. They carved through the Kings in four games and the Wild in five, even if the Vegas Golden Knights ended their run with a sweep in the Western Conference finals. With Makar cemented as the franchise cornerstone and Bednar leading the charge, the Avs are clearly aiming for another deep run, and they just guaranteed their most important piece will be there for all of it. Avalanche fans, get ready to celebrate!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.