Colorado Avalanche re-sign Jacob MacDonald to a two-year extension

Despite the continued pause around the league — and the world — due to the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Colorado Avalanche continued taking care of business, handing out its second contract extension in as many days. This time, the Avs signed defenseman/forward Jacob MacDonald to a two-year extension.

Per CapFriendly, the two-way contract pays $700k in the 2020-21 season and $750k in 2021-22, with minimum salary guarantees of $400k and $425k respectively. The guarantees assure MacDonald is paid very well even if he spends the majority of the contract in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles.

One day after inking Ty Tynan, it’s clear the Avalanche are focused on keeping the nucleus of the Eagles team intact. AHL Colorado had a 34-18-4 record and appeared primed to make a good run in the playoffs at the time of the pause. Getting some items off the to-do list while they have time now will allow GM Joe Sakic to soon focus his attention on the NHL roster for the coming season.

Although he has yet to appear in a game with the Avalanche following his acquisition in a trade with the Florida Panthers for forward Dominic Toninato last summer, MacDonald was a key contributor for the Eagles. His 42 points were only bested by Tynan on the team and he was a big part of the power play. MacDonald also leads the entire AHL in goals scored by a defenseman, thanks in large part because of his role change into forward during parts of the season.

MacDonald began the year as a defenseman, but by the midpoint of the season, a depleted Eagles forward group forced the coaching staff to move MacDonald up front on the left wing, sometimes even performing in a top-six role. Whether or not MacDonald becomes a full-time forward next year remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, however. MacDonald, who grew up an Avs fan, is exactly where he wants to be for at least the next two years.