It appears there is no credible evidence—at least as of August 5, 2025—that the Colorado Avalanche or Nathan MacKinnon are in the process of terminating his contract. On the contrary, all reputable sources confirm he is under contract through the 2030–31 season and recently renewed his commitment to the team.
Here’s what actually has been confirmed:
- In September 2022, MacKinnon signed an 8‑year, $100.8 million extension that runs through the 2030–31 NHL season, with an average annual value (AAV) of $12.6 million—the richest deal in the salary‑cap era at the time
- He went on to deliver arguably his best NHL seasons, capped by winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award for the 2023–24 season, after tallying 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists) over 82 games
- He also added another impressive campaign in 2024–25, finishing with 116 points and surpassing several Avalanche franchise milestones
- The most recent contract news—including what many outlets report as a further three‑year, $37.5 million extension (through the 2027–28 season)—align with his long-term status in Colorado
🚫 No Valid Foundation for Contract Termination Claims
There are no ESPN articles or official statements indicating a desire or plan to terminate MacKinnon’s contract. If you’re referencing “ESPN CONFIRMED” in relation to a contract termination, this appears to be based on misinformation or a misunderstanding.
In general, NHL contract termination (or buyouts) can occur under specific conditions:
- Mutual agreements with the team
- League-sanctioned buyout periods
- Clearance through waivers
The Avalanche and MacKinnon have shown no signs of pursuing such a path
✅ What the Facts Show
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Contract Status | Under contract through 2030–31 via the eight-year extension signed in Sept. 2022 |
| Recent Extensions | Additional coverage reported through 2027–28 (three-year, $37.5M d |
| Performance Highlights | Hart Trophy + Ted Lindsay Award in 2023–24 (140 points), plus another 116-point season in 2024–25 |
🧭 Bottom Line
There is no verified or substantiated report—by ESPN or any credible outlet—that Nathan MacKinnon’s contract with the Avalanche is being terminated. In truth, all evidence points to the opposite: a continued long‑term commitment with stellar on-ice performance.
If you’ve encountered rumors or social media reports claiming a contract termination, it’s crucial to approach them skeptically—especially since they seem to contradict all authenticated reporting.
If you can share more specifics—such as the ESPN article you saw or where you heard about the termination—I’d be happy to take a closer look and clarify any confusion.
