Cale Makar is betting on himself—and Colorado is betting on him right back. Per ESPN's reporting, the Avalanche star defenseman signed a record $163.2 million, eight-year extension, the richest deal ever handed to a player at his position. Makar's response: bring it on.
The 26-year-old defenseman told ESPN he welcomes the pressure attached to such a massive commitment. That's the bet Makar is making—that the weight of being the league's highest-paid blueliner at his position will sharpen rather than dull his game.
The deal resets the market for elite defensemen in the NHL, one year after Connor McDavid's $132 million contract set a league-wide benchmark for franchise cornerstones. Makar's extension signals Colorado's conviction that he belongs in that tier.
Away from Colorado, the offseason continues to shift rosters. Three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirmed Thursday that he requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, per ESPN, opening what figures to be an active trade market for one of the league's most accomplished goalies.
In Chicago, the Blackhawks agreed to a two-year deal with restricted free agent Kevin Korchinski on Saturday, per ESPN. The 22-year-old defenseman, the seventh overall pick in 2022, spent last season in the AHL with Rockford after appearing in 53 games.
The New York Islanders, meanwhile, announced ownership changes. David Shuman has joined the franchise's ownership group as a limited partner, subject to NHL approval, per ESPN.
At Arizona State, the university is investigating circumstances surrounding a workout where hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed, per ESPN. No further details on Mayich's condition have been reported.
This article synthesizes reporting from ESPN. Top story: "Avs' Cale Makar embracing pressure after inking record deal" (ESPN).