MacKinnon's full contract details raise some serious questions with the Avalanche fan base
Photo credit: NHLI / Mile High Hockey
The complete details of Nathan MacKinnon's contract have reignited serious discussion among Colorado Avalanche fans, particularly with the NHL salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming seasons.
According to The Athletic's latest contract rankings, Avalanche's MacKinnon's deal stands out as an incredible bargain.
Is Nathan MacKinnon underpaid?
Ryan O'Hara from Mile High Hockey writes that MacKinnon currently ranks as the NHL's third-highest paid player, earning $12.6 million annually. Despite the hefty salary, his production more than backs it up.
The 29-year-old racked up 116 points (32 goals, 84 assists) in 79 games last season. The year before, he delivered a career-best performance with 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists) while appearing in all 82 games. Simply put, MacKinnon has been playing at an elite level.
The only players earning more than him are Auston Matthews ($13.2 million AAV) and Leon Draisaitl ($14 million AAV).
"The Athletic believes MacKinnon's contract should be worth $18.3 million AAV based on their valuation model. While that figure exceeds his existing contract by a significant margin, it gains credence when contextualized within the NHL's projected salary cap trajectory." -O'Hara
In January, the NHL sent a memo to teams announcing that the salary cap will increase to $95.5 million for the upcoming season, up from $88 million last year. This growth is expected to continue, with the cap projected to rise to $104 million in 2026-27 and $113.5 million in 2027-28. If the cap holds steady at $113.5 million by the time MacKinnon's contract expires after the 2023-31 season, his $18.3 million cap hit would represent about $16 of the total salary cap.
"MacKinnon will be 35 years old at the time of his free agency eligibility in 2031. Historically, players at this stage of their careers-regardless of prior dominance-rarely receive contracts reflecting full-market value, particularly not over long durations.
Ultimately, the precise valuation of MacKinnon's next contract will hinge on several interdependent factors: his on-ice production, health, leadership impact, and the state of the Avalanche as a whole." -O'Hara
Ultimately, the precise valuation of MacKinnon's next contract will hinge on several interdependent factors: his on-ice production, health, leadership impact, and the state of the Avalanche as a whole." -O'Hara
In short, although it's too early to predict MacKinnon's exact future salary, The Athletics's assessment appears accurate, especially if he maintains his status as one of the NHL's elite forwards well into his thirties.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 9 | 31 ANSWERS MacKinnon's full contract details raise some serious questions with the Avalanche fan base Do you think MacKinnon is the most underpaid player in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 22 | 71 % |
| no | 9 | 29 % |
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