Colorado Avalanche star forward Nathan MacKinnon believes his contract extension could be announced very soon.
At least that’s the wish expressed by the 27-year-old center on Thursday during a media tour of the NHL.
The Stanley Cup champion mentioned that the staff of the Avalanche and his clan “are getting closer” to an agreement.
He also added that he hopes the case will be settled before the start of the Denver team’s regular season on October 12.
As he enters the final year of a seven-season deal that will have earned him $44.1 million, MacKinnon has said his next contract will be “fair” and “good for both parties.”
The No. 29 of the Avalanche also specified that his annual salary will be more than $10 million.
If a deal doesn’t come before the Avalanche opener, the former first overall pick doesn’t anticipate he’ll negotiate this season.
“I would prefer that this be settled (before the start of the season). It gets emotional. Sometimes you feel like it’s personal.
“I would like it not to be a distraction when the season starts.”
During the Avalanche’s recent conquest, MacKinnon recorded 13 goals and 24 points in playoff games, after collecting 88 points (32-56) in 65 regular season games.
He has 648 points, including 242 goals, in 638 games on the Bettman circuit.
In the past year, general manager Joe Sakic signed lucrative contracts for captain Gabriel Landeskog (8 years and $56 million) and Norris Trophy winner, defenseman Cale Makar (6 years and $54 million).
The other member of the Avalanche’s offensive foundation, Mikko Rantanen, is halfway through a six-season pact earning him $9.25 million annually.
