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Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon ‘quite close’ to contract renewals


One can only assume he means the average annual value will be at least $10 million, although that would be a discount for the Stanley Cup champion.

MacKinnon, who turned 27 two weeks ago, is entering the final season of a seven-year, $44.1 million contract signed in 2016, which has become one of the great bargains best of the tournament. For $6.3 million over the limit, Avalanche received three-time Hart Trophy finalist, Lady Byng winner, and one of the league’s most dominant two-way centers.

As of the start of the 2017-18 season, only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl beat MacKinnon by 442 points, and both played more games than the Colorado phenom. His 167 goals in that span put him seventh in the league, while his +88 stats (seventh highest in that period) offer a glimpse of dominance. Avalanche’s rule whenever he’s on the ice.

There’s a real chance that MacKinnon – if he chooses – could become the highest-paid player in the league on his next contract. That title now belongs to McDavid and his $12.5 million cap has been reached. At the very least, one would expect MacKinnon to join a select group of players making at least $11 million per season, including McDavid, Artemi Panarin, Auston Matthews, Erik Karlsson, John Tavaresand Drew Doughty for the 2022-23 season.

Amazingly, Avalanche is now slated to have room to keep him, even at such a high price. The team has set many of their contracts to expire at the end of this season, with Erik Johnson, JT Compher, Evan Rodrigues, Andrew Coglianoand Darren Helm all coming out of the books (if they choose to let them go). While there are other players – like the star guardian Devon Toews – to re-sign in the coming years, MacKinnon’s contract will certainly take precedence.

It’s a bit of a surprise that an extension hasn’t been announced yet, as he’s been eligible for over two months. Perhaps the team allowed him and the rest of the Avalanche time to enjoy the celebratory season after finally making it through and winning the Stanley Cup.





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