The biggest NHL contract news of the summer landed this week. Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $20.4 million AAV extension — resetting the top of the defenceman market and among the largest deals ever signed by a blueliner. Sergei Bobrovsky joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a three-year deal. And Alexander Nikishin and Cutter Gauthier remain the two most notable unsigned restricted free agents as training camps approach. Here’s the state of the NHL for the week ending 30 August 2026.
Cale Makar signs $20.4M AAV extension
The signature deal of the NHL offseason. Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $20.4 million AAV extension with the Colorado Avalanche on 28 August. It’s one of the largest contracts ever signed by an NHL defenceman and firmly establishes Makar as among the highest-paid players in the league.
For Colorado — Presidents’ Trophy winners in 2025-26 who were swept in the Western Conference Finals by Vegas — locking up Makar was essential. The 26-year-old two-time Norris Trophy winner and 2022 Stanley Cup champion remains the offensive centrepiece of the Colorado defence. His contract, alongside Nathan MacKinnon’s, gives the Avalanche a genuine championship window through the late 2020s.
The Makar contract also affects the market for other elite defencemen. Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is expected to be looking at similar-range money when he signs his next deal — reports have suggested $18-19 million AAV.
Sergei Bobrovsky to Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year, $7 million AAV contract. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2024/2025 Stanley Cup champion with Florida, joins Toronto as a proven veteran to compete for the starting job.
For Toronto — beginning a rebuild after their disappointing exit and trading Mitch Marner to Vegas — Bobrovsky brings the experience and stability their goaltending has lacked. He’ll also be an important mentor to any young goaltender emerging in the pipeline.
Other significant signings this week
- Vincent Desharnais to Washington Capitals — 4-year, $4.2 million AAV. The veteran defenceman brings depth to a Capitals blueline focused on their contention window.
- Colton Sissons to Toronto Maple Leafs — 2-year, $4.25 million AAV. Sissons joins the rebuilding Leafs as veteran forward depth.
- Kevin Korchinski extension with Chicago — extending the young defenceman for their long-term rebuild.
Nikishin and Gauthier still unsigned
Two significant restricted free agents remain without contracts as training camps loom:
Alexander Nikishin (Carolina Hurricanes) — the 24-year-old defenceman continues to be at the centre of trade rumours. Multiple teams have expressed interest but the Hurricanes have not moved him. Reports suggest Nikishin is frustrated with his current situation. Carolina’s option is either to sign him on a bridge deal or find a trade partner willing to meet their asking price.
Cutter Gauthier (Anaheim Ducks) — the 21-year-old forward coming off a 41-goal season remains unsigned. Reports suggest a deal in the $15-16 million AAV range is possible, though Anaheim’s cap situation ($9 million available) means the Ducks may need to trade someone to make room. The 15 September deadline for eight-year contracts creates urgency for both sides.
Training camp countdown — 2 weeks to go
NHL training camps open in mid-September. Preseason games run through late September. The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins in early October.
Key stories to follow in the next two weeks:
- Carolina’s Cup defence. With Ehlers signed, John Carlson acquired, and the core intact, the Hurricanes enter as clear title favourites.
- Vegas’s new-look top six. Marner + Eichel top line begins its first camp together.
- Toronto’s Bobrovsky-led restart. Adding a veteran goalie signals the direction of the Leafs’ rebuild.
- Colorado’s Makar-anchored contention. The extension locks in the Avs’ championship window.
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Subscribe free →What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- Previous NHL Wrap — 24 August 2026
- Marner-to-Vegas update
- 2025-26 Season Retrospective — Hurricanes Champions
- How to Watch NHL in Australia 2026
All information accurate as of Sunday 30 August 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
