Makar’s Mega Deal and the Depth Dilemma | Denver News

Cale Makar just locked in an eight-year, $160M deal with the Avalanche, cementing his status as a franchise cornerstone—but at what cost? With Makar, MacKinnon, and Necas alone consuming nearly 40% of the projected cap space by 2027-28, the team’s championship hopes now rest on finding affordable, high-impact depth players who can thrive in the playoffs. History shows that top-heavy rosters rarely win Cups, and while Makar admits stars are thrilling, true confidence comes from a complete team. The Avalanche’s reliance on external talent—rather than homegrown development—puts them at a disadvantage compared to teams like Pittsburgh, which have built competitive cores through internal growth. Winning with this payroll will hinge on the front office’s ability to unearth undervalued contributors, turning roster depth into playoff magic. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e947ff861c893d41