In an era where massive contracts often dictate player movement, Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon has bucked the trend in the boldest way possible — by turning down a reported $150 million offer from a rival franchise to remain with the Avalanche.
The eye-popping offer, believed to have come from an Eastern Conference powerhouse, would have made MacKinnon the highest-paid player in NHL history. But for the reigning Hart Trophy winner, loyalty meant more than the money.
“This is where I’ve built my career. It’s where we’ve built something special,” MacKinnon told reporters after practice Tuesday. “Winning means more to me than chasing a paycheck. We have unfinished business in Colorado.”
A Franchise Cornerstone
MacKinnon, 28, has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Avalanche after being drafted first overall in 2013. In the 2023–24 season, he posted a franchise-record 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists), leading Colorado to a 50–25–7 record and another strong playoff push. His dominant season earned him the Hart Memorial Trophy and solidified his status as one of the league’s premier talents.
The Offer That Was
According to league insiders, the deal presented to MacKinnon included a seven-year, $150 million package with incentives and full trade protection — an unprecedented offer in the salary-cap era. Yet, MacKinnon declined without hesitation, citing his connection to the Avalanche organization, the city of Denver, and his teammates.
“We’ve got a tight group here,” said MacKinnon. “This team believed in me from day one, and I want to finish what we started. That matters more than any amount of money.”
A Message to the League
MacKinnon’s decision is being hailed across the league as a rare and refreshing example of loyalty in modern professional sports. In a statement, Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland praised MacKinnon’s character:
“Nathan’s commitment is exactly what defines championship culture. He’s the kind of leader every franchise dreams of building around.”
What’s Next for the Avs
With MacKinnon locked in both contractually and emotionally, the Avalanche are poised to remain Stanley Cup contenders for the foreseeable future. Alongside stars like Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen, MacKinnon is expected to drive Colorado’s pursuit of another title — one that would further cement his legacy in Denver.
MacKinnon is currently under contract through the 2030–31 season after signing an eight-year, $100.8 million extension in 2022 — still the richest deal in NHL history at the time. But as this week’s decision shows, for MacKinnon, loyalty and legacy matter more than numbers on a check.
