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Cale Makar Explains Why He Chose to Stay With the Avalanche for Eight More Years
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- Cale Makar Explains Why He Chose to Stay With the Avalanche for Eight More Years
DENVER —Cale Makar already knew where he wanted to spend the rest of his career.
Two days after signing an eight-year contract extension that will keep him with the Colorado Avalanche through the 2034-35 season, Makar sat alongside Joe Sakic at The Inverness Denver Hotel on Monday and reflected on a decision that, in many ways, never felt particularly complicated.
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He wanted to stay.
The Avalanche wanted him to stay.
After seven seasons in Colorado, Makar said the relationship he has built with the organization, his teammates and the community made committing to another eight years an easy decision.
"I'm very fortunate to be able to sign this deal and be here for the next long, long while," Makar said.
The extension, announced Saturday, makes Makar the highest-paid player in NHL history on an annual basis. But when the 27-year-old spoke about the contract Monday, he focused less on the money and more on what the eight-year commitment means.
Makar could have signed a shorter deal and positioned himself for another major payday as the salary cap rises. Instead, he wanted the security of knowing he would remain in Colorado while giving the Avalanche clarity as they continue building around him and Nathan MacKinnon.
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"I think for myself and the team, it gives us a lot of clarity in the sense of the direction that we want to go," Makar said.
That stability mattered to Avalanche president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic, who said the two sides began discussing an extension shortly after the season. Talks picked up in July following the draft and free agency.
The term was never really an issue.
Both sides wanted eight years.
"He's a generational player," Sakic said. "Unreal to watch, fan favorite. To see what he does and what he can do on the ice is so special."
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Since Colorado drafted Makar fourth overall in 2017, he has won the Calder Trophy, two Norris Trophies and the Conn Smythe Trophy while helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Now, he has eight more years to add to that résumé.
Makar admitted it is strange to think about where he will be when the contract expires, but he isn't concerned about the pressure that comes with becoming the highest-paid player in the league.
"I feel like I'm a guy that just puts a lot of pressure on myself to do well year in and year out," Makar said. "For me, I'm actually kind of excited. I think it's going to make me hopefully push myself even a little bit more."
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The uncertainty is gone.
Makar is staying in Colorado, and the Avalanche can continue building around their franchise defenseman without having to worry about his future.
Now comes the bigger question:
How many more championships can they build around him?
