Stanley Cup champion Nathan MacKinnon is in it for the long haul with the Colorado Avalanche.
The team announced Tuesday that the 27-year-old star forward has signed an eight-year contract extension, with an AAV of $12.6 million. The deal makes MacKinnon the highest-paid player in the NHL.
EIGHT MORE FOR NATE THE GREAT!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/BzQmrdIk6w
“Nathan is obviously one of the premier players in the NHL so a long-term extension was something we wanted to get done before the season started,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said in the team’s press release. “He has that rare combination of speed and power with a high compete level that makes him a generational player. We are thrilled he will continue to be a member of this team and this community for many years to come.”
First drafted by the Avalanche in 2013 as the first overall pick, MacKinnon has spent his entire career to date with the organization and was named an alternate captain in 2016.
Across nine seasons, MacKinnon has amassed 648 points in 638 games. He currently sits sixth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. Known for his exceptional performances when it comes to playoff time, the Halifax native has also collected 93 points in 70 career post-season appearances.
The 2021-22 season saw MacKinnon earn 32 goals and 56 assists for 88 points during the regular season, marking his fourth career season scoring 30 goals or more. In the post-season, he collected another 13 goals and 11 assists in helping the team win the Stanley Cup.
MacKinnon's efforts have earned him a significant pay raise. The new deal will kick in following the 2022-23 season, with MacKinnon currently signed to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.3 million.
The Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 2014, named to the 2013-14 NHL All-Rookie Team, a five-time NHL All-Star, the 2020 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy recipient, and a Stanley Cup champion, MacKinnon has no doubt set himself as one of the best in the league — and now has the big-time contract to prove it.
This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.
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