The work Joe Sakic has done with the Colorado Avalanche is remarkable. After defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning to become the 2022 Stanley Cup Champions, the real work is underway. Forward Valeri Nichushkin signed a big deal, and Cale Makar has his extension in place. The core remains intact as they are poised to make another run at the cup. The attention has shifted towards one player in general and that is Nathan MacKinnon. The centre has one year left on his current deal and Nathan MacKinnon needs a new contract.
Nathan MacKinnon In For Big Raise On Next Contract
Rumour: Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now discusses the next deal for Nathan Mackinnon
Exclusive: Nathan MacKinnon Seeking To Be NHL's Highest-Paid Player ( ) https://t.co/pje3ODi1y4
— Adrian Dater (@adater) August 9, 2022
While he has one year left making a team-friendly $6.3 million per season, the next contract should be a big one. He arguably is one of he biggest bargain of a contract in the sport and Colorado has been blessed with it. But in order to keep him a member of the Colorado Avalanche, it will cost a lot more.
According to Dater, NHL sources have informed the Colorado Hockey Now that his camp expects him to become the highest-paid player in the league. Joe Sakic and his team are not wasting time as negotiations are underway. That is good news if you are the Avalanche and a fan.
What Could The Contract Look Like?
MacKinnon is arguably a top-three player in the game today. He is right up there among the elite in this league. So could his contract be hefty among them?
The biggest advantage Colorado has is they can offer him an extra year being a maximum total of eight. Other team’s can only offer seven. That helps his odds to remain in the Mile High City. But who can a contract to make him the highest paid player be compared to?
The Comparables
Earlier this week, Jonathan Huberdeau just signed an eight year deal that carries an AAV of $10.5 million per season. MacKinnon is the superior player and is a centre. The top three highest salaries in the NHL are Connor McDavid ($12.5M), Artemi Panarin ($11.6M) and Auston Matthews ($11.6M). Even Tyler Seguin is going to be one of the top players in the league and he is not on the same tier as the others. Panarin plays wing while the other the play centre. If his camp is seeking that high pay, anything north of $10M would not come as a surprise.
MacKinnon is at the top of the league from a production standpoint. In the last five seasons, he ranks third in point totals with 442. He sits right behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. For comparison, Panarin sits sixth with 418. MacKinnon has been one of the best players for the last five season and he is looking to get compensated because of it.
Is Mackinnon Worth A Big Contract?
The talented forward needs a new contract. And he is worth every penny. The star centre has been an established part of the core since arriving full-time. He is a high calibre talent producing at a high rate. Not to mention he represents 1/3 of one of the best top lines in the league.
His last five seasons he has put up 97, 99, 93, 65, and 88 points. In 638 games played for the Avalanche, has 242 goals, 406 assists, and 648 points. Throughout his career, he has been more than a PPG player. And each of his last five seasons, he is way more than a PPG player.
Nathan MacKinnon reached 80 points in 59 career postseason games, tied for the 4th-fastest in Stanley Cup Playoff History.
Only Wayne Gretzky (37), Mario Lemieux (40), and Jari Kurri (57) did it faster. pic.twitter.com/58lgsrCk6n
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 26, 2022
