NHL Rumors: Avalanche and MacKinnon Close to Massive Extension

Nathan MacKinnon is going to be a Colorado Avalanche for a very long time as the two sides are currently working on a contract extension that's likely going to be the max eight years. As for dollar amount? Don't expect a discount from Nate Dogg as expect to see the average annual value over $10 million.

MacKinnon met with the media on Thursday and opened up about contract talks. Talks he'd like completed by puck drop opening night:

It should be done shortly, I'm hoping. I love Joe (Sakic, president of hockey operations) and C-Mac (general manager Chris MacFarland). Those guys are great. It's just a little business. I'd prefer it to be done. I just don't want to talk about it at all, and if it's not done (before the season) I probably will stop talking to them until after the season. I know it's a cliché thing, but it's tough, it gets emotional, you feel like it gets personal sometimes, so I'd like to get it done so it's not a distraction.

Expect to see MacKinnon's cap hit in the $11-12million range, His agent Pat Brisson chimed in this week as well, confirming that talks have advanced with Avs' management. Looks like MacKinnon is sticking around Mile High forever and with some of their young talent like Cale Makar, Colorado is going to be a Stanley Cup contender for years to come.

Nathan MacKinnon, speaking at the NHL Player Media Tour, says his extension with the Avalanche is “pretty close” and he’s hoping it’ll get done “soon.” As for AAV, it will be “fair” but “not going to be a single digit.”
— John Matisz (@MatiszJohn) September 15, 2022

"There's a feeling that they don't really want to go into the season with this." -@FriedgeHNIC

Nathan MacKinnon and the @Avalanche seem to be working towards getting a deal done. @Jackie_Redmond | @BJaffe | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/qLpJuFMK9Y
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) September 16, 2022