The Philadelphia Flyers’ recent five-year, $90 million contract with Leo Carlsson has sparked discussions about Cale Makar’s impending contract with the Colorado Avalanche, but ultimately, it won’t influence Makar’s expected deal. Makar, in the final year of his $54 million contract, is eligible for an extension, with talks focusing on timing and structure ahead of the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement in 2026. While Makar could potentially set a new benchmark for defensemen, the real question remains how much he values winning over maximizing his salary. The Avalanche’s culture emphasizes team success, complicating assumptions about a contract reset based solely on Carlsson’s deal.
