In a current era of lucrative NHL contracts across the league, the game is ever evolving when it comes to the player marketplace. This is especially evident with Kirill Kaprizov's $17 million per year deal being the prime example of this.
The question then arrives to who can be the next big name to sign a big ticket extension. With Connor McDavid recently extending at a lower than expected price tag, this has added yet another wrinkle with respect to what to watch in future contract extensions.
The next name that could be the biggest storyline to watch in this conversation is the Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar. While he is not due a new deal until the 26-27 season, he will be an interesting one to watch depending on what transpires over that time.
What is the latest on Cale Makar?
Via insider Elliotte Friedman, Cale Makar's next contract is expected to be "nuclear." Friedman was quoted stating Colorado may have no choice but to hand Makar a "blank cheque" when the time comes.
This is not necessarily surprising, Makar is arguably not only the best active defenseman in the game of hockey but amongst the most talented of all time at the position. The 2 time Norris winner is coming off an insane 30 goal, 62 assist season for a grand total of 92 points. This is unthinkable production from a defenseman in the modern game of hockey.
The next question that remains to be seen is what the next Makar deal looks like. Based on the contracts that have been handed out of late, this has all the makings to be yet another historic payday for one of the NHL's best players. No doubt Makar will be a very motivated man as he makes his case for his 2027 bonus.