Avalanche sign Nathan MacKinnon to a major deal

While most expected a “bridge deal” of possibly two or three years for Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche went and locked up their star center for seven years.

This deal will keep MacKinnon, 20, under the Avalanche’s control through the 2022-23 season.

“Signing Nathan to a long-term contract was a priority this offseason,” said Avalanche executive vice president/general manager Joe Sakic. “He is going to be a key part of our team for many years to come and it was important to secure his rights moving forward.”

MacKinnon was the first overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft and hasn’t disappointed, becoming the youngest player in NHL history to ever win the Calder Trophy for the league’s top rookie.