The Significance of Nathan MacKinnon's Highest Paid New NHL Contract

A couple of days ago, the Colorado Avalanche did the right thing. They awarded their best player, Nathan MacKinnon with an huge contract extension which kicks in for the 2023-24 season.

He is now the highest paid player in the league with a $12.6 million AAV deal over eight years. He has surpassed Connor McDavid's $12.5 million contract.

That doesn't necessarily mean he is a better player than McDavid, they're both amazing talents.

When researching statistics for both players, it becomes evident that McDavid has the edge.


McDavid has 239 goals, 458 assists in 697 games. That is a 1.43 points per game average. He has 15 power play tallies, with 168 assists. In his seven years in the NHL he is averaging an amazing 15 percent shooting accuracy.

MacKinnon has 242 goals, 406 assists in 638 games. On the power play he has accumulated 71 goals, 135 assists. His shooting accuracy is 10.1 percent. He has a 1.02 points per game average.

MacKinnon was patient, and waited for the contract he deserved. He led the Av's to the Cup, and helped eliminate McDavid's Oilers in four games in the Western Conference Final.

Both players seem to have jet engines attached to their skates as they speed by defenders with utter ease. MacKinnon's first step is what fuels his speed.

For the Av's, locking up their best player was a no-brainer. He is just 26 years old, and has many more years to display his excellence in the NHL.

The Av's lost a couple of key players over the offseason. Nazem Kadri went to Calgary and Darcy Kuemper found a new home in Washington.

The Colorado club will again be a Cup contender and with MacKinnon secured for eight years, their future is bright.

Don't forget they still have players like Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen, and recently signed Evan Rodrigues.

Nathan MacKinnon is a joy to watch every time he steps onto the ice. Now, he will be compensated in line with his immense talent.