Introduction
AAV stands for Average Annual Value in hockey. It is a key term used in the National Hockey League (NHL) to describe the average yearly salary cap hit of a player’s contract. A player’s AAV is calculated by dividing the total value of their contract by the number of years it spans.
Calculating AAV
For example, if a player signs a 5-year contract worth $25 million, their AAV would be $5 million ($25 million / 5 years = $5 million AAV).
Importance of AAV
AAV is important in hockey as teams need to manage their salary cap effectively to build a competitive roster within the league’s financial constraints. Teams must be mindful of a player’s AAV when signing contracts to ensure they stay under the salary cap.
Case Studies
- Connor McDavid: The Edmonton Oilers signed McDavid to an 8-year, $100 million contract, giving him an AAV of $12.5 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.
- Auston Matthews: Matthews signed a 5-year, $58.17 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, resulting in an AAV of $11.634 million.
Statistics
According to recent data, the average AAV of NHL players is around $3 million, with top players earning significantly more. The AAV of contracts can impact a team’s salary cap situation and their ability to sign other players.
Conclusion
Understanding AAV is crucial for both players and teams in the NHL. It helps teams manage their finances and make informed decisions when signing contracts. A player’s AAV can also impact their market value and influence future contract negotiations. Overall, AAV plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of professional hockey.
