Nathan MacKinnon workout partner might contemplate joining the Colorado Avalanche next summer

Colorado Avalanche superstar center Nathan MacKinnon has been working out with none other than Sidney Crosby and Mitch Marner this offseason.

Insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs star winger’s workout regimen this summer. In particular, Friedman stated on the latest edition of the 32 Thought Podcast that Marner has spent time with Crosby and MacKinnon.

The Hockey News quoted Friedman, stating:

“I believe he’s in Vail this weekend with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.”

We know there’s a connection between Crosby and MacKinnon going back to Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. So, it should be no surprise that both superstars get along well with one another. While I’ve pointed out that Crosby could be enticed to join the Colorado Avalanche, the addition of Marner to Crosby and MacKinnon’s workouts seems interesting.

Perhaps I’m reading more into this matter than there really is. But it seems interesting that, of all the players in the NHL, Marner would work out with Crosby and MacKinnon.

Could this be a sign that both Marner and Crosby might contemplate joining the Avs?

It’s a fascinating thought especially when considering that both players are impending free agents. If Crosby and Marner choose to walk away from their respective teams, could the Avs make a massive splash and sign both?

It’s a possibility much like the Nashville Predators did this summer, signing Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Signing Crosby and Marner would instantly catapult the Avs to the top of the Western Conference, making them the team to beat.

Projecting a contract for Mitch Marner with the Colorado Avalanche

It’s worth pointing out that Marner has a full no-movement clause in his contract this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs wouldn’t be able to trade Marner unless he agreed to the deal. That situation means Marner can choose to play out the season in Toronto, opting to walk away next summer.

Assuming that’s a realistic possibility, which it is, what would it take for the Avs to sign Marner? Most likely, Marner would like a deal somewhere in the four or five-year range for at least $11 million. While Marner might want Leon Draisaitl-like money, that’s not realistic.

Unless Marner wins the Art Ross and Hart Trophies this season, he won’t be getting near Draisaitl territory.

But the major issue on the Colorado side is, can they afford such a massive cap hit? There is one possibility: Passing on Mikko Rantanen. Now, I would advise against such a move. Having Rantanen and Marner would be ideal. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible.

That’s where this entire scenario could come crashing down to reality. If the Colorado Avalanche cannot find a way to fit both Rantanen and Marner under the cap, there would be no sense in replacing Rantanen with Marner.

Replacing Rantanen with Marner would make absolute sense, however, if the Avs were sure Rantanen wouldn’t re-sign in Colorado. But what is the likelihood of that happening?

Ultimately, the likeliest outcome is that Crosby runs out his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Marner re-signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Rantanen stays put in Colorado.

But then again, anything is possible in the NHL.