Makar's $20M Question: Elite Talent, Team-Friendly Reality

Cale Makar has made a compelling case to become the first $20 million player in NHL history, and the argument for his elite production is ironclad. Yet the Colorado defenseman appears positioned to sign a deal that won't cripple the Avalanche's ability to compete, which is a rarity at that price point in today's salary cap world. The question isn't whether Makar deserves the money - it's whether he'll actually take it or prove once again why he's different from the typical superstar negotiation.