Rumours erupt as Avalanche continue to emerge as top suitor for league's biggest name
Photo credit: Sergei Belski / USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche are among the teams rumoured to be on Connor McDavid's radar.
While the speculation isn't new, it gained serious momentum after the Oilers captain admitted he's in no hurry to commit to a new deal in Edmonton.
Avalanche emerge as surprise suitor for league's biggest name.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that rumours linking McDavid to the Avalanche may sound exiting, but they're riddled with obstacles that make such a move highly unlikely.
How realistic are the Connor McDavid-to-Avalanche rumours?
The first major hurdle is the salary cap. Depending on the source, McDavid's next contract could command upwards of $14 million annually, a figure already difficult to fit under Colorado's financial structure.
Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette even took it a step further, boldly claiming McDavid could fetch $18 million per season, a number that would blow apart most teams' cap flexibility, including the Avalanche's.
"The other major hurdle would be cap space. Yes, the Avalanche would have cap space to play with after this upcoming season. PuckPedia shows that the Avs currently have roughly $74 million committed after next season." -Quixtan
The salary cap is expected to rise to $113.5 million for the 2026-27 season, giving the Avalanche just under $40 million in available space. However, with Cale Makar due for a new contract in 2027, the question remains: is it realistic for the team to sign both McDavid and Makar?
"It's doable but it would tie up the Avs' cap situation on three players: McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar. While that trio would be enviable, the team still needs to round out a competent supporting cast. Otherwise, it would be useless to bring in McDavid to play with a host of league-minimum guys." -Quixtan
Judging by how McDavid and MacKinnon performed together on Team Canada, MacKinnon could thrive with McDavid drawing a lot of defensive attention. Alternatively, pairing Makar alongside McDavid might create a dynamic duo of speed and skill, giving the Avalanche a truly formidable combination on the ice.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 22 | 43 ANSWERS Rumours erupt as Avalanche continue to emerge as top suitor for league's biggest name Do you think there's a chance that McDavid lands with the Avalanche in the future? | ||
| yes | 17 | 39.5 % |
| no | 26 | 60.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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