Sakic's Still Got It: Alumni Goal, Classic One-Liners, and a Makar Deal That Feels Inevitable

DENVER — Joe Sakic stepped out of the front office, laced up the skates and reminded everyone why he's a Hall of Fame sniper. One shift with Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk. One early goal off a feed from Hejduk. Just another night of magic at Magness Arena.

But the real business is Cale Makar, and Sakic isn't hiding his confidence.

The Makar Contract Watch

With training camp on the doorstep, Colorado's president of hockey ops and GM is working the phones, trying to get the two-time Norris Trophy winner locked up long-term. Makar is coming off a monster season with 20 goals and 59 assists, so yeah, the checkbook is going to be open.

"We continue talking," Sakic said before the alumni game. "I'm pretty confident that he'll be signed before the season starts."

And the market? It's already moving. Bowen Byram just signed a six-year, $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks that makes him the highest-paid defenseman in the league. Does that turn up the heat on Colorado?

"Really? I haven't noticed that," Sakic cracked. "Like I said, I'm not worried about it. I don't think Cale's worried about it. Dialog's been great and when there's an agreement, we'll gladly announce it. Hopefully something will be done before the start of training camp."

Bednar's Deal? Not a Concern

Sakic also addressed the elephant in the room: coach Jared Bednar is entering the final year of his contract. No update yet, but no panic either.

"Everything's great. Not worried about that," Sakic said. "There's been coaches, there's been players that have gone into their last year of their deals before, and there's going to be in the future, so not really concerned about it."

Bednar is the franchise's all-time leader in wins, delivered a Cup in 2022 and just guided the Avs to the league's best record before Vegas swept them in the Western Conference Final. Not a bad resumé.

Nichushkin Move = Cap Space = Makar Space?

The Avs already made one splashy transaction this offseason, sending Valeri Nichushkin to Columbus for draft picks. That dumped the remaining four years and $6.125 million cap hit off the books — money that could absolutely go toward Makar's extension.

Sakic also stepped back into the GM chair after Chris MacFarland left for Nashville's front office. It's a lot on his plate, but Forsberg isn't worried.

"Just feels like everything Joe touches, it goes well," Forsberg said. "I'm really happy to see him back."

A Night For the Good Old Days

Sunday's game wasn't just about business. It was about remembering. The teams paused to honor Claude Lemieux, who died in May at 60. Lemieux was part of Colorado's first Cup team in 1995-96 — the franchise's first season after moving from Quebec — and the 2000-01 champs too.

"This is just the perfect type of game to get together, get on the ice ... spend some time for a few days, and then just think about the old times," Sakic said.

Even Forsberg had jokes about his own rust, admitting his foot keeps him off the ice and his "playing form is not that good anymore." Doesn't matter. The vibes were immaculate.

Now, can Makar's signing keep the good times rolling into October?