When it comes to superstar contracts in the NHL, there are always debates about value, cap hits, and overall impact on a team’s success.
Analyst Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic has added more fuel to the discussion, making it clear that Nathan MacKinnon’s eight-year, $100.8 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche is not only team-friendly but also one of the best deals in professional sports.
At first glance, MacKinnon’s $12.6 million annual cap hit doesn’t seem drastically different from recent mega contracts signed by stars like Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen, both of whom inked eight-year, $96 million deals at $12 million per season.
Why Nathan MacKinnon’s Contract Is One of the NHL’s Biggest Bargains Compared to Marner’s Mega Deal
According to Luszczyszyn, the gap in player value makes MacKinnon’s contract look like an absolute bargain.
“Just think of the two big deals that were just signed for Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner: both at a fair $12 million,” Luszczyszyn wrote. “Two superstars, yes, but not anywhere near MacKinnon’s level. They’re top-20 players — MacKinnon is top three. How big is that difference and how many more millions is that worth? About $6 million by my estimate, giving MacKinnon one of the best deals in the sport.”
Nathan MacKinnon in slow mo just hits different. pic.twitter.com/VlA7zwBIEF
— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) July 22, 2025
MacKinnon’s value goes beyond just scoring numbers. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant and consistent performers, driving Colorado’s success and playing a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup victory. Despite being widely recognized as one of the top three players in the NHL, his cap hit remains only $100,000 more than Connor McDavid’s $12.5 million deal, a contract signed years ago that is set to expire soon.
Luszczyszyn argues that as the salary cap continues to rise, MacKinnon’s contract will become even more of a steal. By the final year of his deal, his $12.6 million AAV could represent less than 10% of the team’s total cap space. This flexibility gives Colorado a significant advantage in building and maintaining a championship-contending roster around him.
In comparison, Marner’s $12 million cap hit will take up a much larger portion of Vegas’s payroll, potentially limiting the Golden Knights’ ability to surround him with high-end talent. While Marner is undoubtedly an elite player, Luszczyszyn emphasizes that the gap between him and MacKinnon is substantial and should be reflected financially.
The analytics expert estimates MacKinnon’s true market value could be closer to $18.3 million annually if his contract were signed today. Given his trajectory, leadership, and consistent top-tier performance, MacKinnon remains significantly underpaid despite having one of the highest cap hits in the league.
