Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon singled out in scathing new report
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Colorado Avalanche star forward forward Nathan MacKinnon has been singled out in a scathing report, with analysts questioning the value of his current contract amid rising expectations.
Discussions around NHL superstar contracts often resolve around one thing: are they worth it in terms of cap hit and team success?
Nathan MacKinnon singled out in latest report.
A recent article published by the Pro Football Network reports that according to analyst Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic, MacKinnon's eight-year, $100.8 million deal with the Avalanche isn't just a bargain for the team, it stands out as one of the most valuable contracts in all of professional sports.
On the surface, MacKinnon's $12.6 million cap hit doesn't appear far off from other recent blockbuster deals, such as the eight-year, $96 million contract signed by Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen at $12 million per year.
Luszczyszyn points out that the difference in player value makes MacKinnon's contract seem like a complete steal.
«Just think of the two big deals that were just signed for Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner: both at a fair $12 million. Two superstars, yes, but not anywhere near MacKinnon's level. They're top-20 players - MacKinnon is top three. How big is that difference and how many more millions is that worth? About $6 million by my estimate, giving MacKinnon one of the best deals in the sport.» -Luszczyszyn
MacKinnon's impact extends far beyond his scoring stats. Over the years, he has proven to be one of the NHL's most dominant and consistent players, fueling Colorado's success and playing a key role in their Stanley Cup win.
Even though he's considered among the league's top three stars, his cap hit is just $100,000 more than Connor McDavid's $12.5 million contract, a deal signed years ago that is nearing expiration.
Luszczyszyn points out that with the salary cap expected to rise, MacKinnon's contract will look even better over time. By the last year of his deal, his $12.6 million average annual value could account for less than 10% of the team's total cap space, giving Colorado valuable flexibility to build and sustain a championship-caliber roster around him.
"In comparison, Marner's $12 million cap hit will take up a much larger portion of Vegas's payroll, potentially limiting the Golden Knights' ability to surround him with high-end talent. While Marner is undoubtedly an elite player, Luszczyszyn emphasizes that the gap between him and MacKinnon is substantial and should be reflected financially." -Pro Football Network
The analytics expert estimates that if MacKinnon's contract were negotiated today, his true market value might be around $18.3 million per year. With his ongoing development, leadership qualities, and steady elite play, he remains considerably underpaid despite his already high cap hit.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 25 ANSWERS Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon singled out in scathing new report Do you think Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon is underpaid for his value? | ||
| yes | 18 | 72 % |
| no | 7 | 28 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
