What It Means:

MacKinnon just completed his three-year, entry-level contract, making him a restricted free agent prior to this deal. Inconsistent play through his first three seasons in the league caused some to question if Colorado would offer MacKinnon a long-term deal, but a $6.3 million cap hit is rather modest for someone of his potential. The contract still comes with some risk, but it'll prove to be team friendly if the 20-year-old can continue his development and get his career on an upward trajectory.

MacKinnon bursted onto the scene with 24 goals and 63 points in 82 games his rookie season, but then tallied 38 points in 64 contests during year two. This past season fell somewhere inbetween, with MacKinnon scoring 52 points in 72 outings. In regards to possession, his Corsi For Percentage has remained consistent, ranging between 47.1 and 49.5 percent over three seasons. His Relative Corsi For Percentage at Even Strength has been a little more volatile, peaking at 7.5 percent in 2014-2015, but dipping as low as -0.7 his first year in the league.