The saying when it’s hard to believe that a big-name NHL star may become available is that Wayne Gretzky was once traded, so anyone can be dealt.
That still rings true today, though some players feel far more untouchable than others. Nathan MacKinnon is absolutely one of them, however, Jimmy Murphy of RG Media doesn’t believe the idea of the superstar center being traded is completely out of the question.
While acknowledging it’s a longshot, Murphy explained his reasoning during an appearance on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro.
“They won the Cup in 2022. But I look at that Colorado Avalanche roster the last four seasons since then and I say they should have won another… Sometimes what happens is superstars expect a little too much from their teammates. I feel like, and I’ve been told by people within the organization, that is the case with Nathan MacKinnon and at times it’s rubbed some of the teammates the wrong way.
All I’m saying is this guy right now, you look at their roster and what they have to do with Cale Makar. But does this roster, does this team, get back to the Stanley Cup Final and win another? Do they need a major shakeup? Do they need to change the fabric of their team? Do they need to hand the reins over to Cale Makar? This is your team now, not Nathan’s anymore,”
The 30-year-old MacKinnon has five years remaining on the eight-year, $100.82 million contract extension he signed with the Avalanche in 2022. He’s coming off another massive season, having racked up 127 points (53 goals, 74 assists) in 80 games played.
There have been some blockbuster deals around the NHL in recent years, but a MacKinnon trade would be on a whole other level, stacking up with Gretzky being sent to Los Angeles back in 1988.
Colorado is going to have to pay Cale Makar massive money on a new contract, though it almost certainly won’t and shouldn’t come at the cost of losing their perennial 100-plus-point MVP candidate.
Barring a disastrous 2026-27 season for the Avalanche, MacKinnon won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. That being said, it is fair to wonder just how much longer Colorado’s Stanley Cup window will remain open with their 2013 first-overall pick leading the way.
Next: Kevin Gausman Makes Interesting Toronto Comments After Trade
