Mile High Pollster: Re-signing Makar should already be the ultimate priority

Would you rather have a Marty Necas extension in February 2026 or a Makar extension in July of the same year?

The dominos are starting to trust-fall toward the 2026-27 NHL regular season, and all of this looking ahead really has me thinking. Among the more pressing topics of this offseason has been what to do with the Martin Necas decision. But why stop there? Why not look even further into the future at, say, July 1, 2026, when Cale Makar is eligible for a contract extension? That’s what should shape Colorado’s decision as we lean those bones back toward the present! This week’s pollster contemplates that, along with a few other offseason questions.

Keepin’ with the Sams (CLOSED POLL)

Chris MacFarland engaged in some circumvention business by offering incentive-based bonuses to Brent Burns, and they also gave Josh Manson a surprising two-year extension. Those two updates have forced Avs fans to look at the blue line in a new light. Sam Girard and Sam Malinski have been a part of trade rumors for years (mainly Girard), but does one of them have to go for Colorado to shape out their forward group? I say keep the Sams!

Contract ties for Necas & Makar (OPEN POLLS)

Alright, I’m admittedly aware that addressing the Makar contract “right now” is technically not possible. What happened and what led me to this question is simple. It dawned on me that Makar would be eligible for an early extension on July 1, 2026, which would coincide with Necas hitting the open market if he and the Avalanche are unable to reach an agreement.

This timing, along with the potential free agent market, has me contemplating the risk of letting Necas walk. I’d rather the Avs announce an extension for Makar on July 1 than an extension for Necas in February and no deal for Makar until possibly 2027. When put in an excruciating ‘would you rather’ scenario, the answer is blatantly obvious.

It is a risk to let Necas walk because by this time next year, some of the big fish in the free agent market will inevitably have re-signed with their current clubs, and you might not find someone better than Martin Necas on the open market. That said, if there was ever a free agent pool to risk it for, it’s the one coming up in 2026. If they did let Necas walk and the free agent market held up at least partially through next season, they’d have a pocket full of cash and two superstars to reel in the big fish.

Dave Hakstol’s Powerplay (OPEN POLL)

After seeing familiar names leave the table for a replacement Assistant Coach, the Avalanche have finally settled on and agreed with Dave Hakstol. The most criticized aspect of the job will be the performance of the Avalanche special teams, particularly the power play, which was a thorn in their side last postseason. Avs fans are feeling confident in the hire and Hakstol’s ability so far. What say you?

If you aren’t on X, feel free to answer the polls in our comments!