Colorado Avalanche Poised for Rebuild as Sakic Embraces Future
An in‑depth look at the Avalanche’s roster changes, cap strategy and the questions surrounding Joe Sakic’s vision.
Jul 2, 2026
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Cale Makar
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Cale Makar across Hockey.
NHL Free Agency Day 2: Big Contracts and Unresolved Stars
The second day of unrestricted free agency sees a flurry of re‑signings and record‑breaking deals, yet several high‑profile players remain unsigned.
Jul 2, 2026
Bowen Byram’s Record‑Breaking Extension with the Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have secured Bowen Byram to a six‑year, $75 million contract, guaranteeing a $12.5 million average annual value and positioning the 23‑year‑old as the league's top‑paid blue‑liner.
Jul 1, 2026
Avalanche’s Offseason Overhaul: Trades, Draft Moves, and the Makar Extension Loom
The Colorado Avalanche navigate a pivotal offseason, shedding key players and weighing bold moves as they aim to rebuild around young talent and secure Cale Makar's future.
Jun 30, 2026
Front‑office flurry ahead of qualifying‑offer deadline
The Colorado Avalanche announced a new contract for forward Taylor Makar, while Cale Makar becomes eligible for an extension. Montreal traded a long‑time fan favorite, and multiple teams tendered qualifying offers, setting the stage for summer free‑agency moves.
Jun 30, 2026
Cale Makar’s Contract Extension Looms as Avalanche Navigate Salary Cap Challenges
With Cale Makar set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, the Colorado Avalanche face a delicate balancing act as they aim to retain their star while respecting the NHL's evolving salary landscape.
Jun 30, 2026
Makar’s $20 Million Deal Sets the Stage for a Busy NHL Off-Season
As the NHL's July 1 deadline looms, top defenseman Cale Makar's looming $20 million contract and a cascade of high-profile negotiations reshape the league's financial landscape.
Jun 29, 2026
Taylor Makar Signs Two‑Year Deal with Colorado Avalanche Through 2028
Taylor Makar, 25, has agreed to a two‑year contract that runs through the 2027‑28 season, bringing his NHL debut and AHL success into a new chapter with Colorado.
Jun 29, 2026
Taylor Makar Extends Contract with Colorado Avalanche Through 2028
The Colorado Avalanche announced a two‑year contract extension for forward Taylor Makar, securing him through the 2027‑28 season and highlighting his rapid rise from collegiate standout to AHL playoff contributor.
Jun 29, 2026
Wild Eye Re‑signing Quinn Hughes to Extend Cup Window
The Minnesota Wild are working to bring back defenseman Quinn Hughes on a three‑year deal, a move that aligns with the end of his brother’s contract and aims to maximize the club’s championship window amid a rising salary cap.
Jun 29, 2026
Verhoeff’s College Leap: Defense, Draft, and the Junior‑College Debate
Keaton Verhoeff's commitment to North Dakota and NHL draft by the Sharks illustrate the trade‑offs of choosing college hockey over junior, sparking debate among scouts.
Jun 27, 2026
Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic Eyes Another Cup with Aggressive Roster Moves
General manager Joe Sakic has made a series of high‑impact moves, trading Valeri Nichushkin and re‑signing Brent Burns and Brett Kulak, while keeping the team's championship core intact.
Jun 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche Reshape Roster Ahead of Draft and Free Agency
The Avalanche have traded away key forwards, freed nearly $11 million in cap space, and are poised to address defensive needs and forward depth as the NHL Draft and free agency approach.
Jun 25, 2026
Colorado Avalanche Trade Val Nichushkin to Columbus Blue Jackets in Multi‑Pick Deal
The Avalanche announced the trade of forward Val Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets, receiving a second‑round pick, a 2027 third‑rounder and a 2028 fifth‑rounder in return, as GM Joe Sakic reshapes the roster for long‑term competitiveness.
Jun 25, 2026
Blackhawks Pull Off Blockbuster Deal for Bowen Byram
Chicago acquires the Stanley Cup‑winning defenseman Bowen Byram, surrendering top draft picks and a veteran blueliner, while Buffalo walks away with a fresh infusion of talent and future assets.
Jun 24, 2026
Valeri Nichushkin’s Contract Situation Sparks Trade Rumors Ahead of Next Season
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin is at the center of trade speculation as the team balances cap constraints and an aging core.
Jun 22, 2026
Tall, Strong Defensemen Define Modern Stanley Cup Contenders
From the Frozen Four to the NHL draft board, a new archetype of defensemen is reshaping championship teams.
Jun 22, 2026
Avalanche Leadership Outlines Ambitious Path Forward
In a recent media briefing, Colorado Avalanche executives Josh Kroenke and Joe Sakic detailed their vision for a championship‑contending season, citing confidence in head coach Jared Bednar and plans for a new practice facility.
Jun 18, 2026
The Hockey 100: Ranking the Greatest NHL Players Since 1967
The Athletic’s The Hockey 100 ranks the top NHL legends, using expert panels, stats and analytics to spark fan debate
Jun 18, 2026
The NHL’s Preference for Size and Physicality Over Pure Offensive Skill in Defensemen
A look at the divergent criteria used by fans and league evaluators when ranking NHL defensemen, and what that means for the future of the position.
Jun 16, 2026
Kucherov Claims Hart Trophy in Close Vote as NHL Awards Shine
Nikita Kucherov edged out Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart Trophy, while Zach Werenski captured the Norris Trophy and rookie Macklin Celebrini earned notable first‑place votes.
Jun 15, 2026
Cole Caufield Earns NHL Second All-Star Honors, Joining Pavelski in Record Book
Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield has been named to the NHL's Second All-Star team, marking a historic milestone for Badgers alumni and drawing attention to Joe Pavelski's legacy and potential coaching future.
Jun 15, 2026
My 2025‑26 NHL Awards Ballot: Why McDavid Edged Out Celebrini for the Hart Trophy
After nine consecutive years of voting for the NHL Awards, I explain the reasoning behind my choices, from the Hart Trophy to the Masterton, and highlight the players who earned my All‑Star and All‑Rookie nods.
Jun 15, 2026
The NHL’s Golden Age of Defensemen
The NHL’s defensive landscape is entering a golden age, driven by elite veterans and a wave of generational prospects.
Jun 15, 2026