Cale Makar's looming extension could have a major impact on a future Matthew Schaefer deal

Though Matthew Schaefer has thrust himself into the conversation as one of the top defensemen in the NHL after just one year, Cale Makar is still at the top of the list when it comes to the current greats along the blue line.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Colorado Avalanche and Makar are closing in on a contract extension, and it's expected to be huge.

Makar's deal will impact Schaefer's

During Makar's 7-year career, hes finished in the top-3 of Norris Trophy voting six times, taking home hardware in 2021-22 and 2024-25. The only season he finihed outside the top three was his rookie season, finishing ninth. With this being the last season players can sign 8-year extensions before the new CBA limits a max deal to seven years, it's not out of the realm of possibility to see an 8-year deal with a $20M AAV.

Schaefer is entering his second pro season, meaning he'll be eligible to sign an extension next summer. With the salary cap continuing to rise, Schaefer will see a significant pay raise, but the question is for how long and how much?

Schaefer will be 19 years old if he does sign an extension next summer, meaning he could take a bridge deal that takes him to the end of restricted free agency.

Perhaps, like the Islanders and Noah Dobson, Schaefer and his camp will agree to a bridge deal for four seasons, taking him to unrestricted free agency. Even a deal of this type will see him earn more than the current highest-paid defenseman, Bowen Byram ($12.5M). But then, he can sign a massive 7-year deal for over $20M AAV.

A lot will happen between now and next summer, but signings made during that time could have a massive impact on Schaefer's next deal.

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