Nathan MacKinnon

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But for sure we're so close and we got as good of a team as we’ve had here in a long time. “I don't think we're the only team that will feel this in the next few years. If he wants to secure the bag, sure, MacKinnon (sorely underpaid today at $6.3 million) could take a stab at Connor McDavid’s league-high $12.5 million AAV next summer on the open market. So, last year we thought we had a real good team — didn't get it done,” Sakic says. “Now we get to chase a Cup in 2022 and that's an incredible opportunity for our guys.” “Like I say about our general manager, you have to put your you-know-whats on the line. It makes it harder when you're already [at the ceiling]. But I know the belief in our room is, they're here. “What we do know is, we've got a great core at a great age. But, yes, we love the team we have here. He peeked out the door and wondered if the grass might be greener. When free agency hits, does a star player wish to use leaguewide comparables to maximize his payday? “Certainly, as soon as I knew I was signing, we talked.