In a candid end-of-season press conference, Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland sat down with star defenseman Cale Makar to discuss life after Makar’s current six-year, $54 million contract—which expires at the conclusion of the 2026–27 NHL season. What emerged was a portrait of a player whose ambitions extend far beyond the blue line.
Coming off a career-high 30 goals and 92 points—by far the most by any defenseman in the 2024–25 campaign—Makar capped the regular season as a Hart Trophy finalist and earned his fifth consecutive Norris Trophy nomination. Yet, even as the Avalanche jockey for positioning in the Western Conference playoffs, both he and MacFarland have been looking ahead to Makar’s next chapter.
“Cale’s drive is incredible,” MacFarland said. “He isn’t just thinking about re-upping with us—he’s mapping out how to give back, how to elevate the game worldwide, and how to mentor the next generation.”
According to MacFarland, Makar’s blueprint includes:
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A Mentorship Initiative: Leveraging his ties to the University of Massachusetts and the Avalanche’s development system, Makar plans to launch a program pairing NHL defense prospects with mentors, helping them navigate the jump from junior hockey to the pros.
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Global Growth of Hockey: With multiple World Championship appearances under his belt, Makar intends to partner with Hockey Canada and the league to stage clinics and exhibition games in Asia and Europe, planting the seeds for hockey in emerging markets.
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Expanded Philanthropy: His current foundation supports youth hockey in Calgary and Denver; moving forward, Makar aims to fund the construction of community rinks in underprivileged neighborhoods, ensuring young players have access to ice time regardless of their families’ means.
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Broadcasting and Coaching Aspirations: Even as he continues to dominate on the ice, Makar has expressed interest in a future role as a game analyst—potentially alongside teammate Nathan MacKinnon—and in coaching at the junior or collegiate level.
MacFarland emphasized that knowing Makar’s long-term intentions has helped shape Colorado’s off-season strategy. “We’re restructuring our cap and our roster around his timeline,” he noted. “When you have a player of his caliber laying out a five-year plan, you build everything to support it.”
The Avalanche have already taken steps to preserve long-term flexibility, retaining core pieces such as MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog while clearing space for Makar’s next contract. Their philosophy is clear: not only contend in 2025–26, but build a dynasty that lasts well beyond 2027.
For Makar—who led all NHL defensemen in scoring, was a first-time finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, and anchored Colorado’s power play—these conversations affirm that his legacy will be measured as much by his off-ice impact as by his Norris-caliber play.
“The organization has been fantastic to me,” Makar said. “I feel valued here, and I want to make sure I leave it better than I found it.”
As the Avalanche prepare for the crucial summer ahead, one thing is certain: Colorado’s future is inextricably linked to the star defenceman who has already envisioned its path.
