Nathan MacKinnon

MacKinnon was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and grew up playing in the minor ice hockey system of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=Gare |title=Nate the kid |url=https://insider.espn.com/nhl/insider/news/story?id=4943564 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083621/https://insider.espn.com/nhl/insider/news/story?id=4943564 |archive-date=October 8, 2016 |date=February 25, 2010}}{{Cite web |url=https://canadiansportscene.com/mackinnon-scores-overtime-winner-for-avalanche-in-3-2-win-over-flames/ |title=Nathan MacKinnon when he scores overtime winner for Avalanche in 3-2 win over Flames |date=April 15, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030034447/https://canadiansportscene.com/mackinnon-scores-overtime-winner-for-avalanche-in-3-2-win-over-flames/ |url-status=live }} As an atom aged player (under 11), MacKinnon recorded 200 points in 50 games.{{cite news|last=Penton|first=Kirk|title=The next Next One?|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/02/16737616.html|publisher=Toronto Sun|date=2011-01-02|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=January 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106033952/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/02/16737616.html|url-status=live}} When MacKinnon was 12 and 13, he played Bantam AAA for the Cole Harbour Red Wings, recording seasons of 110 and 145 points, respectively. After these two seasons, MacKinnon enrolled at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota.{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Alyssa|title=Crosby comparisons: MacKinnon brings offence to U17s|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/16980/la_id/1/ss_id/74637/nr_id/156356.htm|publisher=Hockey Canada|date=2011-01-02|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514182703/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/16980/la_id/1/ss_id/74637/nr_id/156356.htm|url-status=live}} MacKinnon chose to leave his hometown and attend the Minnesota boarding school because of the strength of its ice hockey program. In his first season at Shattuck-Saint Mary's playing with the Bantam Tier I program, he scored 101 points in 58 games to finish second in team scoring.{{cite web|title=2009–2010 Boys Bantam Tier I stats|url=http://hockey.s-sm.org/teams/2009-2010/boys/bantam-tier-i/boys-bantam-tier-i-stats|publisher=Shattuck-Saint Mary's|access-date=2011-01-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220024027/http://hockey.s-sm.org/teams/2009-2010/boys/bantam-tier-i/boys-bantam-tier-i-stats|archive-date=December 20, 2010|df=mdy-all}} For the 2010–11 season, MacKinnon joined the under-16 Midget program at the school. Despite being the team's second-youngest player, MacKinnon was averaging more than two points a game and was second in team scoring at the midway point of the season. During the season, MacKinnon was named to the team that represented Nova Scotia in the ice hockey tournament at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. MacKinnon scored eight goals and eleven points to finish fourth in tournament scoring as Nova Scotia finished in seventh place.{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Ryan S. |title=The legend of Nathan MacKinnon at the 2011 Canada Games |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2010250/2020/08/24/the-legend-of-nathan-mackinnon-at-the-2011-canada-games/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=May 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515021603/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2010250/2020/08/24/the-legend-of-nathan-mackinnon-at-the-2011-canada-games/ |archive-date=May 15, 2025 |date=August 24, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Standings/statistics - 2011 Canada Winter Games|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/158776/la_id/1.htm|publisher=Hockey Canada|access-date=2011-12-26}} MacKinnon finished his second season at Shattuck-Saint Mary's with 93 points in 40 games played, and was second on the team with 45 goals scored.{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Boys U16 Stats|url=http://hockey.s-sm.org/teams/2010-2011/boys/u16/boys-u16-stats|publisher=Shattuck-Saint Mary's|access-date=2011-05-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817232409/http://hockey.s-sm.org/teams/2010-2011/boys/u16/boys-u16-stats|archive-date=August 17, 2011|df=mdy-all}}

File:Nathan MacKinnon Mooseheads-1.jpg for two years during his major junior career]]

Heading into the 2011 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Draft, MacKinnon was widely regarded as the favourite to be selected first overall and was ranked by QMJHL Central Scouting as the best available player.{{cite news|last=Wuest|first=Matthew|title=MacKinnon tops QMJHL draft ranking|url=http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/blog/post/847646|publisher=Metro Halifax|date=2011-05-01|access-date=2011-07-24}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Despite this, MacKinnon spent the day of the draft skating with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), as he was considering playing either college ice hockey in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or major junior ice hockey in the QMJHL.{{cite news|last=Sager|first=Neate|title=QMJHL: Nathan MacKinnon skates in Omaha on draft day|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/QMJHL-Nathan-MacKinnon-skates-in-Omaha-on-draft?urn=juniorhockey-360208|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=2011-06-04|access-date=2011-07-24|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313152100/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/QMJHL-Nathan-MacKinnon-skates-in-Omaha-on-draft?urn=juniorhockey-360208|url-status=live}} On June 4, 2011, MacKinnon was selected first overall by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the 2011 QMJHL Draft.{{cite news|title=Baie-Comeau takes Cole Harbour's Nathan MacKinnon first in QMJHL draft|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=564819|publisher=National Hockey League|date=2011-06-04|access-date=2011-07-24|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025020701/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=564819|url-status=live}} Because MacKinnon did not speak French, there was speculation that he would follow through with his option to play in the USHL until he was eligible for the NCAA, unless his rights were traded to a different QMJHL team.{{cite news|last=Walling|first=Alex|title=Walling: MacKinnon the second coming of Sid the Kid?|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=372355|publisher=The Sports Network|date=2011-07-23|access-date=2011-07-24|archive-date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827174928/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=372355|url-status=live}} On July 13, 2011, MacKinnon's rights were traded to the Halifax Mooseheads for Carl Gélinas, Francis Turbide, the Mooseheads' first round draft picks in 2012 and 2013 and the Quebec Remparts' first round draft pick in 2013, previously acquired by Halifax.{{cite news|title=Mooseheads acquire top draft pick MacKinnon from Drakkar|url=https://www.tsn.ca/chl/story/?id=371647|publisher=The Sports Network|date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-07-24|archive-date=October 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006092923/http://www.tsn.ca/chl/story/?id=371647|url-status=live}} The Mooseheads had been attempting to acquire MacKinnon since Baie-Comeau was awarded the first overall pick in the 2011 draft.{{cite news|last=Wuest|first=Matthew|title=Russell quick to contact Drakkar after coin flip|url=http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/blog/post/826438|publisher=Metro Halifax|date=2011-04-07|access-date=2011-07-24}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} MacKinnon scored his first QMJHL hat-trick on December 3, 2011, scoring five goals in a 6–4 victory over the Quebec Remparts.{{cite news|last=Palov|first=Willy|title=5-goal game for Moose rookie|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/39262-5-goal-game-moose-rookie|publisher=The Chronicle Herald|date=2011-12-04|access-date=2011-12-04|archive-date=December 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207041855/http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/39262-5-goal-game-moose-rookie|url-status=live}} In a league of 18- and 19-year-olds, MacKinnon was only 16 when he accomplished this. The opposing coach for the Remparts was his future coach with the Colorado Avalanche, NHL Hall of Famer Patrick Roy. With five goals in one game, he tied the Mooseheads record for the most goals in a single game held by Jason King.{{cite news|last=Sager|first=Neate|title=Saturday's 3 Stars: Nathan MacKinnon makes some memories for Mooseheads by making mincemeat of Remparts|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/Saturday-s-3-Stars-Nathan-MacKinnon-makes-some-?urn=juniorhockey-wp4370|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=2011-12-04|access-date=2011-12-26|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611133223/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/Saturday-s-3-Stars-Nathan-MacKinnon-makes-some-?urn=juniorhockey-wp4370|url-status=live}}

On May 26, 2013, MacKinnon led the Mooseheads to their first Memorial Cup championship. He was also named Most Valuable Player, scoring a tournament-best seven goals and six assists in four games, and earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star team.{{Cite news |date=2013-05-26 |title=Nathan MacKinnon's hat trick leads Halifax Mooseheads to Memorial Cup win |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nathan-mackinnon-s-hat-trick-leads-halifax-mooseheads-to-memorial-cup-win-1.1305498 |access-date=2024-02-12 |work=CBC News}}

File:Nathan MacKinnon Avalanche-2.jpg in December 2013]]

On June 19, 2013, leading up to the 2013 NHL entry draft, Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy, who owned the first overall selection, stated publicly that his team would select MacKinnon if the draft were held then, despite widespread speculation that the team was likely to select defenceman Seth Jones, who grew up in Denver, Colorado.{{Cite web |author=Sager, Neate |date=June 19, 2013 |title=Colorado Avalanche pass on Seth Jones, will take a forward |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/colorado-avalanche-pass-seth-jones-forward-140243426.html |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624194614/http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/colorado-avalanche-pass-seth-jones-forward-140243426.html? |url-status=live }} "It would be tough for us not to take MacKinnon," Roy told ESPN The Magazine. Roy also refused to rule out trading the pick.{{Cite news |author=tsn.ca Staff |date=June 25, 2013 |title=Roy: MacKinnon Would Be Selection If Draft Was Held Now|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=426239 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=January 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231235627/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=426239 |archive-date= December 31, 2013}} On June 26, Avalanche Director of Amateur Scouting Richard Pracey reiterate the teams decision to pick MacKinnon.{{Cite news |author=tsn.ca Staff |date=June 27, 2013 |title=Avalanche Reiterate They Have F MacKinnon In Their Sights |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=426374 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=January 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205231624/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=426374 |archive-date=December 5, 2013}} On June 30, the Avalanche did indeed use their first overall pick in the draft to select MacKinnon (while Seth Jones was chosen fourth overall by the Nashville Predators.{{Cite web |author=The Canadian Press |date=June 30, 2013 |title=Avs pick MacKinnon first overall in NHL draft |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/avs-select-mackinnon-with-first-pick-in-nhl-draft/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=June 30, 2013 |author-link=The Canadian Press |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703035655/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/avs-select-mackinnon-with-first-pick-in-nhl-draft/ |url-status=live }} MacKinnon was signed to his first NHL contract, a three-year entry-level deal, with the Avalanche on July 9.{{cite news| author=The Canadian Press| url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=427347 | title = Avs sign first-overall pick to entry-level deal | publisher = The Sports Network |date=July 9, 2013 |access-date=January 6, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131212020642/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=427347 | archive-date=December 12, 2013 }} MacKinnon made his NHL debut to begin the 2013–14 season on October 2, becoming the youngest hockey player to ever dress in a regular season game for the Colorado Avalanche franchise, registering two assists on two goals by Jamie McGinn in a 6–1 victory over the visiting Anaheim Ducks.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Avs' MacKinnon gets 2 points in rout of Ducks |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/avs-mackinnon-gets-2-points-in-rout-of-ducks/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005045725/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/avs-mackinnon-gets-2-points-in-rout-of-ducks/ |url-status=live }} MacKinnon scored his first NHL goal October 12, against Michal Neuvirth of the Washington Capitals during the second period at the Verizon Center.{{cite web | url = https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/10/12/4832460/avs-vs-capitals-nathan-mackinnon-scores-first-nhl-goal | title = Nathan MacKinnon scores first NHL goal | publisher = sbnation.com | date = 2013-10-12 | access-date = 2013-10-12 | archive-date = October 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181012231857/https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/10/12/4832460/avs-vs-capitals-nathan-mackinnon-scores-first-nhl-goal | url-status = live }} As the season went on, MacKinnon's role increased, as he was placed on the top two offensive lines. He claimed his first NHL record in becoming the youngest player to record back-to-back two-goal games from January 4–6, 2014, beating Dale Hawerchuk's of the original Winnipeg Jets from 1981. MacKinnon later compiled a 13-game point streak from January 25 to March 6, surpassing Wayne Gretzky (who turned 19 during his first season having a January birthday) to have the longest scoring streak by an 18-year-old in NHL history.{{Cite web | url = http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24471662/nathan-mackinnons-extends-streak-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-record | title = Nathan MacKinnon extends streak, break Wayne Gretzky's record | work = CBS Sports | date = 2014-03-07 | access-date = 2014-03-07 | archive-date = January 26, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150126092046/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24471662/nathan-mackinnons-extends-streak-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-record | url-status = live }} MacKinnon finished the season appearing in all 82 games and led all rookies with 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points as the Avalanche finished the season as the second seed in the Western Conference to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2010. MacKinnon became just the third player in the NHL to record seven points in his first two playoff games with a goal and six assists in the first two contests against the seventh seeded Minnesota Wild in the opening round of the 2014 playoffs although the Avalanche would eventually fall to the Wild in seven games. On June 24, MacKinnon won the Calder Memorial Trophy for the rookie of the year, becoming the youngest player to ever win this trophy and third in Avalanche history behind Chris Drury and Gabriel Landeskog.{{Cite web | url = http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=723668 | title = Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon wins Calder Trophy | publisher = National Hockey League | date = 2014-06-24 | access-date = 2014-06-24 | archive-date = May 2, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150502112931/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=723668 | url-status = live }} He was subsequently selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

File:Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche.jpg

MacKinnon recorded his first career NHL hat trick on February 22, 2015, in a 5–4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to become the youngest player in Avalanche history to record a hat trick.{{cite news |last=Chambers |first=Mike |title=Nathan MacKinnon scores hat trick as Avs top Lightning |work=The Denver Post |date=February 22, 2015 |url=http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_27580005/nathan-mackinnon-scores-hat-trick-avs-top-lightning |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223184523/http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_27580005/nathan-mackinnon-scores-hat-trick-avs-top-lightning |url-status=live }} MacKinnon would see his individual production drop having recorded 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points in 64 games for his sophomore NHL season and the Avalanche would struggle as a team having not qualifying for the playoffs.

During the 2015–16 season, MacKinnon recorded 21 goals and 31 assists for 52 points in 72 games. Despite his increased productivity compared to the year prior, the Avalanche continued to struggle as a team as they missed the playoffs once more.

On July 8, 2016, MacKinnon as a restricted free agent re-signed with the Avalanche, agreeing to a seven-year, $44.1 million contract that averages $6.3 million per season.{{cite web|title=Avs sign MacKinnon to seven-year, $44.1M deal|url=https://www.tsn.ca/avs-sign-mackinnon-to-seven-year-44-1m-deal-1.523726|website=TSN.ca|access-date=March 4, 2018|date=July 8, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142619/https://www.tsn.ca/avs-sign-mackinnon-to-seven-year-44-1m-deal-1.523726|url-status=live}} On October 13, two days before the 2016–17 season started, MacKinnon was announced as an alternate captain for the Avalanche.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-name-2016-17-alternate-captains/c-282624108 | title = Avs Name Alternate Captains For 2016-17 Season | publisher = Colorado Avalanche | date = October 16, 2016 | access-date = October 14, 2016 | archive-date = May 18, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210518140117/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-name-2016-17-alternate-captains/c-282624108 | url-status = live }} MacKinnon would be named to his first NHL All-Star Game on January 10, 2017, as the lone representative of the Avalanche.{{cite news|last1=Frei|first1=Terri|title=Nathan MacKinnon named Colorado Avalanche rep at NHL All-Star Game|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/10/nathan-mackinnon-nhl-all-star-game-2017/|access-date=March 4, 2018|publisher=The Denver Post|date=January 10, 2017|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142817/https://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/10/nathan-mackinnon-nhl-all-star-game-2017/|url-status=live}} MacKinnon ended the season playing in all 82 games with 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points as the Avalanche missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season and finished last place in the standings overall.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2017-18-team-by-team-nhl-season-outlook-previewing-the-colorado-avalanche/ |title=2017-18 team-by-team NHL season outlook: Previewing the Colorado Avalanche |author=Cody Benjamin |work=CBS Sports |date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=June 28, 2024}}

Prior to the 2017–18 season, MacKinnon hired a sports psychologist, which drastically helped him improve his play and emerge as one of the league's premier players.{{cite web|title='I need him': Meet the behind-the-scenes trainer who has helped Nathan MacKinnon take off|url=https://theathletic.com/2756990/2021/08/11/i-need-him-meet-the-behind-the-scenes-trainer-who-has-helped-nathan-mackinnon-take-off/|website=The Athletic|access-date=January 19, 2022|date=August 11, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119194212/https://theathletic.com/2756990/2021/08/11/i-need-him-meet-the-behind-the-scenes-trainer-who-has-helped-nathan-mackinnon-take-off/|url-status=live}} On November 16, 2017, MacKinnon recorded his first career five-point game in a 6–2 win over the Washington Capitals having done so with a goal on Capitals' goaltender Philipp Grubauer and four assists on two goals by captain Gabriel Landeskog and goals by Colin Wilson and Mikko Rantanen, respectively. He was again selected the following year for the 2018 NHL All-Star Game.{{cite web|title=MacKinnon Selected To NHL All-Star Game|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/mackinnon-selected-to-2018-nhl-all-star-game/c-294839910|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 4, 2018|date=January 5, 2018|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202717/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/mackinnon-selected-to-2018-nhl-all-star-game/c-294839910|url-status=live}} MacKinnon was named the NHL's First Star of the Week for February 26–March 4, 2018, after scoring five goals, six assists, with four power play points, a +6 rating, and 31 shots in four games.{{cite web|title=MacKinnon leads 3 Stars of the Week|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nathan-mackinnon-patrik-laine-aleksander-barkov-named-nhl-3-stars/c-296635006|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 5, 2018|date=March 5, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414203941/https://www.nhl.com/news/nathan-mackinnon-patrik-laine-aleksander-barkov-named-nhl-3-stars/c-296635006|url-status=live}} MacKinnon recorded his second career five-point game in a 7–1 win over the Minnesota Wild (scoring two goals on Wild' goaltender Devan Dubnyk and adding three assists on goals by Tyson Barrie, Matt Nieto and Mikko Rantanen) on March 2, 2018. MacKinnon finished his breakout season playing in 74 games with 39 goals and 58 assists for 97 points to help the Avalanche finish the season as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2014, when MacKinnon was rookie. In the 2018 playoffs, the Avalanche were defeated in the first round in six games by the Presidents' Trophy-winning Nashville Predators.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401029159 |title=Predators beat Avs 5-0 in Game 6 to win first-round series |author=AP |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2018}} MacKinnon recorded six points (three goals and three assists) in all six playoff games during the playoffs. On April 26, MacKinnon was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL's most outstanding player for the first time in his career which was eventually won by Edmonton Oilers forward captain Connor McDavid.{{cite web|last1=Amadon|first1=Brett|title=Ted Lindsay finalists unveiled|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-unveiled-nhl-most-outstanding-player/c-298278196|website=NHL.com|access-date=April 27, 2018|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428011659/https://www.nhl.com/news/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-unveiled-nhl-most-outstanding-player/c-298278196|url-status=live}} The following day he was named a Hart Memorial Trophy finalist for the first time in his career as the NHL's most valuable player in the regular season. The award was eventually won by New Jersey Devils' forward Taylor Hall as MacKinnon finished second in the voting.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's MacKinnon Edged Out Of NHL's MVP Award |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/mackinnon-edged-out-mvp/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=May 15, 2025 |date=June 20, 2018}}

After finishing the 2018–19 season with 99 points (41 goals, 58 assists) in all 82 games played, one-point short of his first career 100-point season. After the Avalanche as a team clinched the eighth and final playoff spot in the West for the second straight season, MacKinnon and the Avalanche defeated the top-seeded Calgary Flames in five games, marking the first time the Avalanche won a playoff series during MacKinnon's tenure with the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-calgary-flames-game-5-recap-306888892 |title=Avalanche win Western series, top Flames in Game 5 |author=Aaron Vickers |website=nhl.com |publisher=NHL |date=April 20, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2024}} After upsetting the Flames in the opening round, MacKinnon and the Avalanche would eventually be defeated in the second round in seven games by the San Jose Sharks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401129143 |title=Pavelski leads Sharks past Avalanche in game 7 |author=AP |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=June 15, 2024}} MacKinnon finished the 2019 playoffs with six goals and seven assists for 13 points in all 12 games played.

On January 7, 2020, MacKinnon played in his 500th NHL game in a 5–3 loss to the New York Rangers where he was able to record a goal on Rangers' goaltender Igor Shesterkin.{{cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/01/09/nathan-mackinnon-500-games-avalanche/ |title=It's been 500 games and Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon still doesn't think he's famous |author=Joe Nyguen |website=denverpost.com |publisher=The Denver Post |date=January 9, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2024}} MacKinnon was on pace to record his first career 100-point season during the 2019–20 season until the last three weeks of the regular season got cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, having 35 goals and 58 assists for 93 points at the time of the stoppage in March 2020. On September 11, MacKinnon won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the "player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.{{cite web |last1=Satriano |first1=David |title=MacKinnon of Avalanche wins Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly conduct |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-forward-nathan-mackinnon-wins-lady-byng-trophy-318985834 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=May 15, 2025 |date=September 11, 2020}} MacKinnon was also named a finalist for both the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award for the second time in his career which was eventually awarded to Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.{{cite web|title=Hart Trophy finalists unveiled|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/taylor-hall-anze-kopitar-nathan-mackinnon-named-hart-finalists/c-298297282|website=NHL.com|access-date=April 28, 2018|date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428114142/https://www.nhl.com/news/taylor-hall-anze-kopitar-nathan-mackinnon-named-hart-finalists/c-298297282|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Hall honored to become first Devils player to win Hart Trophy |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/taylor-hall-honored-to-become-first-new-jersey-devils-player-to-win-hart-trophy/c-299156142 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704082708/https://www.nhl.com/news/taylor-hall-honored-to-become-first-new-jersey-devils-player-to-win-hart-trophy/c-299156142 |url-status=live }}

After the COVID-shortened 2020–21 season, the Avalanche won the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions and MacKinnon was named a finalist for both the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award for the third time in his career with both awards eventually being given to Edmonton Oilers forward and captain Connor McDavid.{{cite web|url=https://www.milehighhockey.com/2021/6/10/22527877/colorado-avalanche-nathan-mackinnon-is-one-of-the-hart-trophy-finalists-again |title=Nathan MacKinnon is one of the Hart Trophy finalists again |website=milehighhockey.com |publisher=Mile High Hockey |author=Jackie Kay |date=June 10, 2021 |access-date=April 5, 2024}}

On January 26, 2022, MacKinnon suffered a broken nose and a concussion after receiving a stick to his face by Boston Bruins forward Taylor Hall, causing him to miss four games and the 2022 NHL All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33168118/colorado-avalanche-say-nathan-mackinnon-facial-fracture-concussion |title=Colorado Avalanche center, All-Star captain Nathan MacKinnon sidelined by facial fracture, concussion |author=ESPN |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=January 28, 2022 |access-date=June 27, 2024}} MacKinnon finished the 2021–22 season with 32 goals and 56 assists for 88 points recorded in 65 games played while the Avalanche as a team finished as the top seed in the Western Conference and the Presidents' Trophy runner-up being only behind the Florida Panthers. On June 26, MacKinnon won his first Stanley Cup championship with the Avalanche, defeating the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion and fifth-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals. MacKinnon led all skaters with 13 goals in the 2022 playoffs (tied with Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers). He also followed up with 11 assists for 24 points recorded in all 20 games played. His performance throughout the playoffs put MacKinnon in the spot as a potential candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP although the award eventually was given to Avalanche defenseman and teammate Cale Makar.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/conn-smythe-2022-winner-cale-makar-nathan-mackinnon-nhl-playoff-mvp/aaq2frqe4d5dzkvphyajmsjw |title=Who should win the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy? Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon favorites to be NHL playoff MVP winner |website=sportingnews.com |publisher=Sporting News |author=Bryan Murphy |date=June 24, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2024}}

File:Colorado Avalanche at Seattle Kraken - 2023-04-24 - Round 1 Game 4 - Eeli Tolvanen, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Nathan MacKinnon, Bowen Byram and Alexandar Georgiev (52846688174).jpg.]]

On September 20, 2022, MacKinnon signed an eight-year, $100.8 million contract extension with the Avalanche.{{cite web|title=Nathan MacKinnon signs eight-year contract extension with Avalanche|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/20/nathan-mackinnon-avalanche-contract-extension/|website=The Denver Post|access-date=September 20, 2022|date=September 20, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163802/https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/20/nathan-mackinnon-avalanche-contract-extension/|url-status=live}} The contract carries an average annual value of $12.6 million, the highest in league history. This record would be surpassed in August 2023 when Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews signed a deal with an AAV of $13.25 million.{{cite web |title=Maple Leafs make Auston Matthews highest-paid player in NHL history with 4-year, $53M US deal |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/auston-matthews-maple-leafs-4-year-extension-1.6945557 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=May 14, 2025 |date=August 24, 2023}}

On December 5, 2023, MacKinnon recorded his 500th career assist on a Logan O'Connor goal in a 3–2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/nathan-mackinnon-earns-500th-career-assist-in-3-2-win-over-ducks |title=Nathan MacKinnon earns 500th career assist in 3-2 win over Ducks |author=Colleen Flynn |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023}} On December 21, MacKinnon scored his 300th career goal and seventh career hat-trick in a 6–4 win over the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/nathan-mackinnon-300-goals-colorado-avalanche-nhl-hat-trick-ottawa-senators/ |title=Nathan MacKinnon scores 4 times, eclipses 300 career goals with Colorado Avalanche in comeback win over Ottawa Senators |author=Jack Lowenstein |website=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS news |date=December 22, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2024}} On April 18, 2024, MacKinnon notched two assists on goals by Mikko Rantanen and Valeri Nichushkin, bringing him to an Avalanche-record 140 points. His 2023–24 season ended with MacKinnon playing in all 82 games with career highs in goals (51), assists (89) and points (140), finishing runner-up to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov for the Art Ross Trophy by four points as the leading point scorer.{{cite web|url=https://www.denver7.com/sports/avalanche/mackinnon-has-2-assists-breaks-franchises-single-season-points-mark-as-avs-beat-oilers-5-1 |title=MacKinnon has 2 assists, breaks franchise's single-season points mark as Avs beat Oilers 5-1 |website=denver7.com |publisher=Denver 7 |author=Pat Graham |date=18 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024}} On June 27, MacKinnon was declared the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award by the NHL Players' Association, beating out fellow finalists Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-nathan-mackinnon-wins-ted-lindsay-award |title=MacKinnon wins Lindsay Award as best player voted on by NHLPA |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=NHL |date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024}} Additionally, he was also the recipient for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the regular season's most valuable player, beating out the other two finalists of Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/colorado-avalanche-s-nathan-mackinnon-wins-hart-trophy-1.2141343 |title=Avalanche's MacKinnon wins Hart Trophy as NHL's MVP |website=tsn.ca |publisher=TSN |date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024}}

On December 10, 2024, in a 6–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, MacKinnon recorded his 600th career assist on a goal by Mikko Rantanen. He ended that game with five points (a goal and four assists).{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/game-recap-12-10-24 |title=Rantanen Posts Hat Trick in 600th NHL Game and MacKinnon Records 600th Assist As Avalanche Beat Penguins 6-2 |website=nhl.com |publisher=Colorado Avalanche |author=Coby Maeir |date=December 10, 2024 |access-date=December 12, 2024}} On March 10, 2025, in a 3–0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, Mackinnon recorded his 1,000th career point with an assist on a goal by Artturi Lehkonen, becoming the 100th player in league history to reach the marker. With 116 points, he finished second in league scoring for the 2024–25 season, behind Kucherov. He was named a Ted Lindsay Award finalist for the fourth time.{{cite web |title=Kucherov, MacKinnon, Makar named Ted Lindsay Award finalists |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-for-most-outstanding-player-for-2024-25-announced-by-nhlpa |website=NHL.com |date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025}}

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{{MedalCompetition|World Championships}}

{{MedalGold|2015 Czech Republic|}}

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MacKinnon's first experience with Hockey Canada came when he was named to the Canada Atlantic team for the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Winnipeg, Manitoba.{{cite news|title=Team Atlantic Announced for 2011 World Under 17 Challenge|url=http://hnsdevelopment.ca/news2.php?news_id=339986|publisher=Hockey Nova Scotia|date=2010-11-24|access-date=2011-01-05|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706182603/http://hnsdevelopment.ca/news2.php?news_id=339986|archive-date=July 6, 2011|df=mdy-all}} Despite being the second-youngest player at the tournament, MacKinnon scored five goals and eight points in only five games to finish seventh in tournament scoring.{{cite web|title=Statistics/standings - 2011 World Under-17 Challenge - Individual player stats|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/154659/la_id/1.htm|publisher=Hockey Canada|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514182939/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/154659/la_id/1.htm|url-status=live}} This included a game in which he scored two goals and two assists to be named player of the game as Canada Atlantic defeated Finland 4–3.{{cite news|last=Nicholson|first=Matthew|title=MacKinnon's four points lead Atlantic to first win|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146759/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|publisher=Hockey Canada|date=2010-12-31|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514182721/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146759/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|url-status=live}} His impressive play helped Canada Atlantic to its best finish since the 2005 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, defeating Canada West 2–1 in the fifth place game.{{cite news|last=Nicholson|first=Matthew|title=Atlantic earns best finish since '05 with win over West|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146802/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|publisher=Hockey Canada|date=2011-01-03|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514183748/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146802/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|url-status=live}} The following year, MacKinnon was named to the Canada Atlantic team for the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Windsor, Ontario.{{cite news|title=Team Atlantic male U17 official roster announced|url=http://www.hnb.ca/en/home/650-team-atlantic-male-u17-official-roster-announced|publisher=Hockey New Brunswick|date=2011-11-23|access-date=2011-12-26|archive-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419114213/http://www.hnb.ca/en/home/650-team-atlantic-male-u17-official-roster-announced|url-status=live}}

On December 13, 2012, MacKinnon was named a member of Team Canada for the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships along with Mooseheads teammate Jonathan Drouin.{{cite web | url = https://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/story/?id=411608 | title = Team Canada heading overseas with lockout questions looming | publisher = The Sports Network | date = 2012-12-14 | access-date = 2013-01-02 | archive-date = March 20, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130320175032/http://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/story/?id=411608 | url-status = live }}

At the 2015 World Championships, where Canada won the gold medal for the first time since 2007 with a perfect 10-0 record, MacKinnon finished the tournament with 4 goals and 5 assists.{{cite web|title=Canada's National Men's Team wins gold medal at 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/canadas-national-mens-team-wins-gold-medal-at-2015-iihf-ice-hockey-world-championship|publisher=Hockey Canada|access-date=June 21, 2015|date=May 17, 2015|archive-date=December 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207052824/http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/Canadas-National-Mens-Team-wins-gold-medal-at-2015-IIHF-Ice-Hockey-World-Championship|url-status=live}}

MacKinnon was a member of Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He played on the third line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

MacKinnon was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where he placed first in team points to help Canada win a silver medal.{{cite web|last1=Hossain|first1=Asif|title=Canada strikes silver following Sweden shootout at IIHF worlds|url=https://olympic.ca/2017/05/21/canada-wins-third-consecutive-iihf-world-championship-gold/|website=olympic.ca|access-date=April 23, 2018|date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183257/https://olympic.ca/2017/05/21/canada-wins-third-consecutive-iihf-world-championship-gold/|url-status=live}}

MacKinnon was named tournament MVP of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, during which he scored four goals including the first goal in Canada's 3-2 win in the championship game.{{Cite news |last=Horwat |first=Nick |date=February 20, 2025 |title=Avalanche Star Nathan MacKinnon Named 4 Nations MVP |url=https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/colorado-avalanche-nathan-mackinnon-named-4-nations-mvp |access-date=February 21, 2025 |work=Sports Illustrated}}

Bold indicates led league

MacKinnon has appeared in a recurring role (along with former Halifax Mooseheads teammate Cameron Critchlow) on the Canadian television show Mr. D, playing a fictionalized version of himself. He first appeared in season 2 episode 4, when he and a teammate have to leave an exam early to play in a school hockey game. When the teammates tell Mr. D (portrayed by Gerry Dee) that they did not finish the exam, he tells them to take it home and return it completed the next day.{{cite web | url = http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/125102-mooseheads-called-to-the-show | title = Mooseheads called to the show | author = Willy Palov | work = The Chronicle Herald | date = August 9, 2012 | access-date = November 7, 2017 | archive-date = November 7, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171107225005/http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/125102-mooseheads-called-to-the-show | url-status = live }} In season 3 episode 7, he is in detention for missing too much school to play hockey. Mr. D is oblivious to his talent and reprimands him ("Hockey's not a job"), although it is implied that, in the show's timeline, this takes place before the 2013 NHL entry draft, where MacKinnon was drafted first overall, despite airing in 2014. In season 4 episode 11, MacKinnon returns to give tickets to an Avalanche game to the school principal. When Mr. D enters the room a moment later, he calls MacKinnon "Mr. Calder" and tells him that he always believed in him. When Mr. D. asks for tickets to a game, MacKinnon tells him that all the games, including those in the exhibition and the following season, are sold out.{{cite web | url = http://www.cbc.ca/mrd/videos/behind-the-scenes/hockey-boys-return | title = Hockey boys return | publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | date = April 2, 2015 | access-date = July 4, 2018 | archive-date = October 1, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171001112433/http://www.cbc.ca/mrd/videos/behind-the-scenes/hockey-boys-return | url-status = live }}

MacKinnon has also appeared as himself in Trailer Park Boys, season 11 episode 7 at Ricky's ball hockey camp.{{cite web|last1=Boulding|first1=Ryan|title=MacKinnon To Cameo in Trailer Park Boys|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nathan-mackinnon-to-cameo-in-trailer-park-boys/c-288261844|website=NHL.com|access-date=April 25, 2018|date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183543/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nathan-mackinnon-to-cameo-in-trailer-park-boys/c-288261844|url-status=live}} In 2019, he returned in a voice acting role in Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series season 1 episode 3, again portraying himself.

He, along with fellow Nova Scotian and NHL player Sidney Crosby, have appeared in a series of Tim Hortons commercials produced for YouTube.{{cite web|last1=Pearson|first1=Heidi|title=Sidney Crosby, Nathan Mackinnon serve up a cup of joe in new Tim Hortons commercial|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2238662/sidney-crosby-nathan-mackinnon-serve-up-a-cup-of-joe-in-new-tim-hortons-commercial/|website=globalnews.ca|access-date=March 4, 2018|location=Halifax|date=September 24, 2015|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305144805/https://globalnews.ca/news/2238662/sidney-crosby-nathan-mackinnon-serve-up-a-cup-of-joe-in-new-tim-hortons-commercial/|url-status=live}} During his career, MacKinnon has turned to Crosby for inspiration, including the 2019 playoffs.{{Cite web | url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/text-sidney-crosby-helped-nathan-mackinnon-dominate-playoffs/ | title=How a text from Crosby helped MacKinnon dominate the playoffs - Sportsnet.ca | access-date=May 3, 2019 | archive-date=May 3, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503144934/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/text-sidney-crosby-helped-nathan-mackinnon-dominate-playoffs/ | url-status=live }}

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{{succession box | before = Nail Yakupov | title = NHL first overall draft pick | years = 2013 | after = Aaron Ekblad}}

{{succession box | before = Duncan Siemens | title = Colorado Avalanche first round draft pick | years = 2013 | after = Conner Bleackley}}

{{succession box | before = Jonathan Huberdeau | title = Winner of the Calder Trophy | years = 2014 | after = Aaron Ekblad}}

{{succession box | before = Aleksander Barkov | title = Lady Byng Memorial Trophy | years = 2020 | after = Jaccob Slavin}}

{{succession box | before = Connor McDavid | title = Hart Memorial Trophy | years = 2024 | after = Incumbent}}

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Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:Calder Trophy winners

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Canadian ice hockey centres

Category:Canadian male television actors

Category:Canadian male voice actors

Category:Colorado Avalanche draft picks

Category:Colorado Avalanche players

Category:First overall NHL draft picks

Category:Halifax Mooseheads players

Category:Hart Memorial Trophy winners

Category:Ice hockey people from Denver

Category:Ice hockey people from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Category:Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winners

Category:National Hockey League All-Stars

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:People from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia

Category:People from Cumberland County, Nova Scotia

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:4 Nations Face-Off players