Latest development reveals that the NHL's biggest star may be set to join the Avalanche
Photo credit: AP Photo / Matt Krohn
Connor McDavid is making headlines as his current contract approaches its end after the 2025-26 season.
If the Oilers' superstar chooses to move on from the only team he's ever played for, the Colorado Avalanche could be in prime position to capitalize.
NHL's biggest star may be set to join the Avalanche.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that at the moment, McDavid carries a $12.5 million cap hit. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, the Avalanche have the least available cap space in the league sitting at $30 million. While they'll need to make a decision on Martin Necas, who's set to hit free agency that offseason, they don't have many other key players requiring new contracts at that time.
"This core has been together for a long time and we've been building to this moment With that being said, ultimately I still need to do what's best for me and my family. But of course there's unfinished business here." -McDavid
As things stand, Cale Makar is still due for a contract after securing another Norris Trophy, and it's expected to come with a hefty price tag, leaving Colorado's future cap space uncertain once that deal is finalized. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen and Ross Colton are both in need of extensions unless the team addresses their situations ahead of time.
"The Avalanche can clear some cap space by choosing not to re-sign Charlie Coyle, Martin Necas, and Josh Manson. They would essentially shed $17.25 million. Even with a pay raise for McDavid, though he would still cost a ton of money, the Avalanche could still fill in the gaps. The main focus is that the Avalanche would be getting an incredible player and the team could play around with line combinations." -Tiedtke
The 1987 Canada Cup featured Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, both natural centers. Since they couldn't both handle face-offs on the top line, Gretzky made the adjustment by moving over to play left wing. Maybe the Avs can replicate something similar with MacKinnon and McDavid...
"McDavid talks about unfinished business. Ultimately, his Oilers teams have failed to win the Stanley Cup. MacKinnon and Makar (among several others currently on the team) have experience lifting the Cup. Combine that amount of experience with McDavid's talents and the Avalanche could win not just one championship, but perhaps several." -Tiedtke
Adding McDavid to the Avalanche would draw a fascinating parallel to that iconic 1987 Canada Cup scenario. It wouldn't just give Colorado two of the league's top stars, it would give them three, creating a modern-day super trio reminiscent of Gretzky and Lemieux sharing the ice.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 45 ANSWERS Latest development reveals that the NHL's biggest star may be set to join the Avalanche Do you think if McDavid and MacKinnon played together, they'd easily win a Stanley Cup? | ||
| yes | 30 | 66.7 % |
| no | 15 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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