What Happened
Nathan MacKinnon is channeling his competitive edge into another dominant start for the Colorado Avalanche. The 31-year-old center from Cole Harbour, N.S., has 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points in 19 games, ranking fifth in NHL scoring. Colorado sits at 11-6-2, second in the Central Division, entering Wednesday's games. MacKinnon has also dropped the gloves twice in the first two weeks of the season, a reflection of the intensity he brings. "It gets me ready to play," MacKinnon said. "Away from the rink, just kind of drives me to do some things to get ready to go." Teammate Cale Makar said MacKinnon's emotion is part of who he is. "He definitely can be emotional like that sometimes and let it out," Makar said. "Maybe he was working on his fighting over the summer and just wanted to test it out a bit early. But no, he's a guy that's going to show that passion all the time."
"It gets me ready to play. Away from the rink, just kind of drives me to do some things to get ready to go." — Nathan MacKinnon
"He definitely can be emotional like that sometimes and let it out. Maybe he was working on his fighting over the summer and just wanted to test it out a bit early. But no, he's a guy that's going to show that passion all the time." — Cale Makar
Key Details
- MacKinnon has 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points in 19 games, fifth in NHL scoring.
- Colorado is 11-6-2, second in the Central Division, on a 106-point pace.
- The Avalanche average 4.11 goals for per game, tied for first in the league.
- Colorado allows 3.05 goals against per game, middle of the pack.
- MacKinnon fought twice in the first two weeks of the 2026-27 season.
- The Avalanche won the 2025-26 Presidents' Trophy but were swept by Vegas in the Western Conference final.
- MacKinnon is 31 and from Cole Harbour, N.S.
What It Means
MacKinnon's production remains central to Colorado's attack, which leads the league in scoring at 4.11 goals per game. His 30 points in 19 games keep him among the NHL's top scorers and help offset a defense that allows 3.05 goals per game. The Avalanche's 11-6-2 start has them second in the Central Division and on a 106-point pace, despite a disappointing playoff exit last season. MacKinnon's aggressive style, including two early fights, underscores the intensity he brings as Colorado tries to remain among the Western Conference's top teams.
What's Next
Colorado continues its schedule with the Avalanche looking to maintain their position in the Central Division. MacKinnon will aim to extend his point streak and climb the league scoring leaderboard as the season progresses.