The deal is now official.
Just four days after Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic expressed confidence that an extension with elite defenseman Cale Makar would be settled quickly, he announced an eight‑year contract worth $20.4 million per season, securing Makar’s services through the 2031‑32 season.
Although many expected the agreement to be reached before training camp, the significance of this deal lies in its formal completion and its potential influence on the upcoming negotiations for another top‑tier blue‑liner.
While the Avalanche’s negotiations proceeded smoothly, recent developments between Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild have introduced uncertainty that could affect the club’s short‑term outlook.
Initially, observers anticipated a straightforward extension, but the lack of progress has turned the talks more pointed, raising questions about why an ostensibly amicable process has stalled.
One might assume Hughes is simply waiting for Makar’s deal to establish a market benchmark; while that may not be the full story, Makar’s substantial contract undoubtedly works in Hughes’ favor.
Avalanche Sign Cale Makar To Historic Eight-Year, $163-Million Extension
The Colorado Avalanche have gotten their most important piece of work done for the entire NHL off-season, signing two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar to an eight-year extension.
Hughes ought to have entered negotiations prepared to seek a higher salary than Makar’s, not necessarily because he is a superior player, but because his situation gives him leverage to push for a premium deal.
While $20.4 million against the cap is far from trivial, Makar’s contract reflects his value and preserves Colorado’s competitive window for the full term of the extension.
Makar is roughly a year older than Hughes, even though he entered the league later, meaning Colorado is securing productive years well into Makar’s thirties.
Local reports indicate Hughes may prefer a three‑year term to line up his unrestricted free agency with his brother Jack’s contract expiration in New Jersey; if accurate, this adds an intriguing layer to his negotiations with Minnesota.
Similar to Colorado, Minnesota’s championship window is open now, with Hughes, Kaprizov, Boldy, and Faber in their mid‑to‑late twenties; looking four to six years ahead, the roster is unlikely to retain elite talent without significant moves.
Hughes and his agents recognize this reality. Aside from the acknowledgment that Minnesota surrendered considerable assets to acquire him, he lacks the deep‑rooted loyalty to the franchise that Makar enjoys in Colorado.
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This marks Hughes’ second NHL team, and he has yet to complete a full season there, whereas Makar was drafted by Colorado and captured a Stanley Cup with the franchise.
Should Hughes’ desire to align his free agency with his brother’s prove accurate, a move away from Minnesota becomes more plausible if winning in the near term is the priority.
Additionally, Minnesota will have several sizeable contracts expiring next summer, likely necessitating further roster moves to fit Hughes’ deal; one can envision Hughes remaining with the Wild for roughly three years while Kaprizov continues at a $17 million average annual value.
Relying heavily on two high‑earning players may not be optimal for long‑term roster construction, especially given that the Wild’s core is aging, even though the salary cap is projected to rise through at least 2030.
The discussion of whether Hughes deserves more than Makar is less about merit and more about leverage, comfort, and future potential.
As an impending unrestricted free agent, Hughes has received little incentive to stay in Minnesota beyond the fact that the Wild surrendered significant assets to acquire him—a circumstance that actually enhances his negotiating position relative to Makar’s.
Makar’s contract establishes a market benchmark; the decision now rests with Hughes on how aggressive he wishes to be in his negotiations with Minnesota.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin hopes Hughes will accept a generous offer, but at minimum Hughes should not settle for less than Makar’s $20.4 million annual average.