“LOCK IN TILL 2028”GOOD NEWS: Colorado avalanche National Hockey League (NHL)Current Point Guard Nathan MacKinnon, has agreed on a 3 years contract extension worth $95.7 million, Game change over for ….see more

In breaking NHL news, Nathan MacKinnon, the face of the Avalanche franchise and one of the most dominant players in hockey today, has agreed to a 3-year contract extension worth $95.7 million, locking him in through the 2027–2028 NHL season.

The extension—an average of $31.9 million per year—makes MacKinnon the highest-paid player in NHL history by annual value, surpassing previous record-holder Connor McDavid. It also cements Colorado’s position as a long-term Stanley Cup contender and marks a new era of financial commitment to elite talent in the National Hockey League.

Breaking Down the Deal

• Length: 3 Years (2025–2028)

• Total Value: $95.7 Million

• Average Annual Value (AAV): $31.9 Million

• Contract Type: Extension (kicks in after current deal ends in 2025)

• No-Movement Clause: Full

• Bonuses: Playoff performance incentives, individual awards, leadership bonuses

This deal doesn’t just reward MacKinnon’s performance—it redefines the market for elite NHL players, signaling a shift in how stars are valued and paid in a league historically constrained by a modest salary cap.

Nathan MacKinnon: The Relentless Force of Colorado

From the moment he was selected 1st overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, Nathan MacKinnon was expected to be a franchise cornerstone. But what he’s become since then has exceeded even the highest expectations.

A Stanley Cup champion (2022), Hart Trophy finalist, and one of the most electrifying skaters in the game, MacKinnon has consistently redefined what it means to be a two-way center in today’s NHL. His speed, vision, shot, and compete level are unmatched.

Career Highlights (as of end of 2024–25 season):

• 2x Hart Trophy Finalist

• 5x NHL All-Star

• Stanley Cup Champion (2022)

• 865 Career Points in 750 Games

• Over 100 Points in 3 Consecutive Seasons

• Team Captain and Face of the Franchise

Why This Extension Is a Game-Changer

1. Colorado’s Cup Window Remains Wide Open

With MacKinnon signed through 2028, the Avalanche’s championship window stays firmly intact. Alongside stars like Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and Devon Toews, Colorado continues to field one of the league’s most dynamic cores.

MacKinnon is the centerpiece. His leadership—both on the ice and in the locker room—is crucial to maintaining the Avalanche’s identity as a fast, aggressive, relentless team.

Locking him in through his prime guarantees the Avs can keep chasing Cups without the distraction or risk of him testing free agency.

2. New Benchmark for NHL Superstars

The $31.9M per year figure shatters the previous AAV record and may reset the market for future superstar contracts. Players like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl will no doubt look to MacKinnon’s deal when negotiating their next contracts.

This deal is also a statement to the NHLPA and league executives—that hockey’s best players deserve compensation that reflects their actual value, especially given rising league revenues and global interest.

3. Signals Stability in Colorado

In the cap era, retaining elite talent is never guaranteed. Many teams lose stars to free agency or trade them early due to financial constraints.

Not in Colorado.

By extending MacKinnon—who was already under contract for two more years—the Avalanche have ensured long-term stability, giving fans, teammates, and future free agents confidence in the franchise’s direction.

Team and League Reactions

Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland:

“Nathan is the engine that drives everything we do. He’s a competitor, a leader, and a player whose legacy will be remembered for generations in Colorado. This extension is about continuing our mission to win, every year.”

Coach Jared Bednar:

“There’s no one else like Nate. His preparation, his pace, his standards—they lift everyone around him. Having him signed through 2028 is a massive win for the team and the city.”

Teammates Chime In:

• Cale Makar: “The best in the world, no question. Let’s go win more Cups.”

• Mikko Rantanen: “It’s not just about goals—it’s about heart. Nate is all heart.”

Fans React:

Thousands of fans took to social media within minutes of the announcement, many calling it the “best signing in franchise history” since Joe Sakic’s playing days. Jerseys with “MacKinnon 29” sold out online within hours.

What This Means for the Western Conference

The Western Conference is no longer dominated by aging dynasties. With MacKinnon leading the charge, the Avalanche are positioned to dominate for years to come.

While teams like Edmonton, Vegas, and Dallas continue to compete, none have the depth, speed, and leadership blend that Colorado now possesses—especially with MacKinnon committed long-term.

This deal effectively closes the door on any rebuild and keeps the Avalanche firmly in the “Cup-or-Bust” conversation for the next three seasons.

A Look at the NHL’s Top Contracts by AAV

Note: Due to NHL salary cap structure and bonuses, these figures include only base salary and AAV. MacKinnon’s new deal includes unique bonus structures not seen before in the league.

Behind the Deal: Loyalty and Legacy

Nathan MacKinnon has made it no secret—he wants to build a legacy in Colorado. Unlike players chasing big markets or high-profile cities, MacKinnon has shown loyalty to the franchise that believed in him and built around him.

His off-ice relationship with Joe Sakic, the Avs’ President of Hockey Operations and franchise legend, has played a huge role. Sakic drafted MacKinnon in 2013 and has watched him grow from a raw talent to a mature leader.

In MacKinnon’s own words:

“This is home. This is where I want to be. I’ve won here. I’ve bled here. I want to win again, and again. This isn’t just a contract—it’s a commitment to the guys in the room and the fans in the stands.”

What’s Next for the Avalanche?

With their superstar secured, the Avalanche front office can now shift focus to:

• Retaining Mikko Rantanen, who enters contract year in 2026

• Solidifying goaltending depth

• Investing in development of younger players like Bowen Byram and Alex Newhook

• Strengthening bottom-six forward lines

The team is expected to be active at the 2026 trade deadline, potentially using future draft capital to chase additional veteran depth for another Stanley Cup push.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the NHL

This extension doesn’t just impact Colorado—it reverberates across the league.

1. Raising the Standard

MacKinnon’s deal will likely be a template for other elite players. As league revenues rise, the NHLPA will pressure teams to offer higher AAVs to its stars. This could eventually push the salary cap higher and lead to broader changes in contract structuring.

2. Small Market Confidence

Colorado’s ability to retain a superstar proves that small-to-mid market teams can compete with big-market franchises in retaining talent—as long as they commit to winning cultures.

3. Player Empowerment Era?

This deal may also spark more player-led negotiations. MacKinnon’s contract includes flexibility, leadership bonuses, and performance incentives that are more common in the NBA or NFL—hinting that NHL stars may seek similar creative structures going forward.

Conclusion: The Era of MacKinnon Continues

With this landmark extension, Nathan MacKinnon cements not only his future