What is Cale Makar's net worth in 2026? How the Colorado Avalanche defenseman built his fortune through NHL salary, career earnings, endorsements and investments (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)The Cale Makar contract situation is one of the biggest storylines for the Colorado Avalanche heading into the 2026-27 NHL season. General Manager Joe Sakic gave a recent update that was very positive, and he said he is confident a deal can be made before the season begins. Makar enters the final year of his current contract, making his future a huge focus in Denver.There is an important deadline for the talks as well. If Makar signs a new extension with the Colorado Avalanche before the middle of September, the team could potentially ink him to an eight-year deal. Then the max term would be seven seasons.Will Joe Sakic keep Cale Makar with the Colorado Avalanche before next NHL season?Yes, Joe Sakic said contract talks are going well, and he expects Cale Makar to remain with the Colorado Avalanche.Sakic talked to reporters before an Avalanche alumni game against University of Denver alumni at Magness Arena. Instead of sounding concerned about the negotiations, the long-time Colorado executive emphasised his hope that a deal will be reached before the season starts.Makar’s in the final year of his deal, and the Colorado Avalanche are at a pivotal point in their long-term planning.Since entering the league, the 27-year-old blueliner has cemented himself as one of the NHL’s best. So his next deal is expected to have major implications for Colorado’s salary cap planning and roster construction.What did Joe Sakic say about negotiations?Sakic said the two sides are continuing their discussions and that he is pretty confident Makar will be signed before the season begins.One is really concerned about the length of the eventual deal, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. When a deal is done, both sides are going to be comfortable with it, Sakic said.That strategy suggests Colorado is looking for a deal both sides can live with, rather than reacting to other big contracts around the NHL.Could Cale Makar receive an eight-year extension?Yes, the timing could allow the Colorado Avalanche to give Makar an eight-year extension if a deal is reached before the relevant September deadline.If negotiations extend beyond that point, the maximum length of the deal would be cut to seven seasons. This means the next few weeks are particularly important for both Makar and Colorado.Sakic’s comments suggest the Avalanche aren’t worried about the process of working out a deal, even with how important Makar is to the franchise.Makar has long been seen as the foundation for Colorado, and Sakic has said in the past that the blueliner could end his career in Denver. His latest comments echo that the organization is still committed to keeping their star defenseman around for the long term.With training camp on the horizon and the NHL regular season set to begin in late September, Makar’s deal is one of the most closely watched offseason developments in the league.