Front office exec Joe Sakic skates with Avs in alumni game as the Cale Makar extension talks roll on

DENVER (AP) — Joe Sakic, the Hall of Fame forward turned front office executive of the Colorado Avalanche, was back in the goal-scoring business on Sunday night in an alumni game. He played a few shifts alongside his Stanley Cup-winning teammates Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk. Scoring early off a pass from Hejduk, Sakic's goal marked his return to the game. Now, his focus is shifting back to contract negotiations as the offseason wraps up and training camp approaches.

Sakic is working to secure a contract extension for Cale Makar, the two-time Norris Trophy winner and the league's top defenseman. Coming off a season where he registered 20 goals and 59 assists, Makar's presence in Denver is crucial for the Avalanche's long-term success. "We continue talking," Sakic said before taking the ice against the University of Denver alumni. "I'm pretty confident that he'll be signed before the season starts."

The veteran goaltender and front office executive has already seen significant contract extensions signed this offseason, including Bowen Byram's $75 million, six-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. While acknowledging these contracts, Sakic remains optimistic about Makar's future with the team, stating he is not worried and hopes for an agreement before training camp begins.

Additionally, Sakic expressed no concerns about coach Jared Bednar's final season, as the Avalanche had the best record in hockey before being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals. The 2022 Stanley Cup title-winning coach led Colorado to its second Stanley Cup championship in 2022.