NHL Contract Talks Update: Hughes and Makar Negotiations
This summer has seen significant contract discussions in the NHL, particularly involving elite defensemen Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman provided insights into the current status of negotiations between Hughes and the Minnesota Wild, as well as Makar and the Colorado Avalanche.
Negotiations for Hughes have extended longer than anticipated, with Friedman expressing concern if an agreement is not reached by the season's start. Hughes, entering the final year of his $47.1 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks, is expected to see a substantial increase in his average annual value. Friedman noted that Hughes may prefer a shorter contract term, possibly around three years.
Meanwhile, Makar's situation is also under scrutiny, as Friedman speculated that both players might be waiting to see each other's contract figures. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is optimistic about finalizing Makar's deal before the season begins, potentially mirroring the recent contract signing of Nathan MacKinnon. Makar, who turns 28 in October, faces similar considerations regarding the length of his contract, with options for a five- or six-year deal or a shorter term that could allow for another significant contract later in his career.
