Makar's Extension Hinges on Hughes' Deal

Cale Makar's future contract with the Avalanche could depend on what Quinn Hughes signs with the Wild.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The looming contract extensions for star defensemen Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild could be intertwined, as the deals the two players sign could influence each other. With both players entering the final year of their current contracts in 2026-27, their negotiations could lead to a stalemate as each side waits to see what the other signs for, similar to the recent situation between Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov.

Why it matters

Makar and Hughes are considered the top two defensemen in the NHL, so their contract negotiations will be closely watched around the league. How the two players and their teams handle the situation could set a precedent for other star players entering contract years at the same time.

The details

Both Makar and Hughes will be eligible to sign contract extensions on July 1, 2026. There is a possibility that one side could wait to see what the other signs for before finalizing their own deal, in an effort to get the best possible contract. This strategy was seen recently when McDavid signed a team-friendly extension with the Oilers, allowing Kaprizov to become the NHL's highest-paid player. Makar could follow a similar path, taking a shorter-term deal with a modest raise to allow the Avalanche flexibility, then re-signing for a bigger contract in a couple years when the salary cap is higher.

  • Makar and Hughes will enter the final year of their current contracts in 2026-27.
  • Both players will be eligible to sign contract extensions on July 1, 2026.

The players

Cale Makar

A star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2026.

Quinn Hughes

A star defenseman for the Minnesota Wild and considered one of the top blueliners in the NHL, along with Makar.

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What’s next

The Avalanche and Wild will likely monitor each other's negotiations with Makar and Hughes closely, as the outcome of one deal could significantly impact the other.

The takeaway

The contract situations of Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, two of the NHL's elite defensemen, are intertwined. How the two players and their teams handle the negotiations could set a precedent for other star players entering contract years at the same time, as each side tries to get the best possible deal.