MacKinnon signs 7-year deal with Avalanche

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Nathan MacKinnon to a seven-year deal that runs through the 2022-23 season.

The 20-year-old MacKinnon had 21 goals and 31 assists last season. He missed the last 10 games after he sprained a ligament in his knee. MacKinnon also sat out the final 18 games a year ago because of a broken foot.

He was the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft and went on to win the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.

General manager Joe Sakic said Friday that signing MacKinnon to a long-term deal was a "priority" in the off-season. Sakic added that his speedy forward is "going to be a key part of our team for many years to come."