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How Good Is Nathan MacKinnon Actually?



You’re looking at one of the most dominant hockey players in the world right now. A player whose intensity rivals the likes of Kobe Bryant and has become one of the best centers in modern NHL History. However, his journey to get to this point wasn’t easy. This is the story of Nathan MacKinnon

Growing up in the close-knit community of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, a young Nathan Mackinnon would lace up his skates. Inspired by hometown legend Sidney Crosby, MacKinnon’s journey would start on the very same rinks. The town quickly became aware of his talent when Mackinnon recorded 200 points in 50 games when he was 11. Then when he was 12 and 13, he was recording seasons of 110 and 145 points, respectively.
But with promise comes pressure. The whispers began – was this kid the next Crosby? In the world of hockey, comparisons are a double-edged sword. They can lift you as quickly as they can weigh you down. For MacKinnon, every stride on the ice was a battle against expectations.

31 Comments

  1. The absolute speed and puck-handling he displays on that Avs vs GK game is unreal. He is 100% my favorite player of all time.

  2. The goal you started the video with was one of if not the greatest goals I've ever seen. Unfortunately it got ruined when the Avs lost but if you look at the context of the game and playoffs, it was absolutely mind blowing he did that. Pure nasty

  3. I think that McDavid and MacKinnon are the two best players in the game right now. But I think MacKinnon has somehow connected to the rest of the team better – I think his struggles have given him an edge that the raw stats alone will never capture. It's breathtaking to watch.

  4. Watching the rise of Mackinnon's game the past 4 years have been an absolute treat. His game is explosive and seeing him now in his prime is incredible. Would not even trade Mackinnon for McJesus if given the chance. He's the most complete player and right now, Avs fans are witnessing greatness that few teams are blessed with.

  5. He pairs well with Rantanen who is an amazing all-around player. MacKinnon's play is energizing and it pushes the entire roster to play more active hockey.

  6. According to Bednar, he ramped his off ice workouts up this offseason and doing some other things to keep the body in good shape to play high minutes night in and night out. It’s showing and one thing that stands out the most is the strength. Not like he’s ever been weak but the hits he’s putting on some guys this year have been noticeable. Just the other night, he ran over Tom Wilson with ease while he had the puck going to the net. Had to step back and ask myself, “what did I just see”, LOL

  7. Loved this guy in Juniors and then when my team (the Avs) got the number 1 pick that was a time to celebrate. He has NOT disappointed.

  8. I remember being surprised & somewhat disappointed we didn't draft Seth Jones.Partly cuz he was a dman,& we desperately needed blueline help at the time.But mostly cuz Jones dad played for the Nuggets,& he kind of grew up around here. Plus I'd never seen Mckinnon play-I grew up in Denver.But as nice of career as Jones has had-THANK GOD Sakic & the Avs knew better-lol.

    And til 2022,it wasn't just that we kept falling short of a Cup…but hadn't made WCF even in 21 yrs. We were the Cowboys or Philly Sixers today of the NHL til then-lol. But we are so damn lucky in Denver.I work at Ball arena,& with the Nuggets/Avs…& Jokic/Mckinnon-not even mentioning Makar,Rantanen,& Jamal Murray.

  9. From the moment rantanen started playing well on 2nd year in nhl, it boosted mackinnons level alot. Dont think it was only confidence which boosted him on 17-18 season.

  10. I must say that even though he gets criticized for his intensity, I firmly believe this team (current) would not have won a cup without him.

  11. I agree Mcd should win the MVP this year… still can't believe he lost it in 2017-18 to Taylor Hall. Especially since he played less games and had more points that season.

  12. MacKinnon's my favourite player at the moment. The combination of speed, physicality and skill is something no other player can match. Most people will say McDavid's the best, but I'll take MacKinnon over him every single time. I love his intensity and power on the ice.

  13. I've been in Denver since '95, the year the Avs came here from Quebec, and have been a huge fan of theirs since day one. That team was just stacked, with the likes of Sakic, Forsberg (my favorite), Roy, and many others. We got 2 cups from that team and could have gotten more if Detroit and Dallas hadn't been so good as well. This team now is the closest thing we've had to those original guys with our newest superstars…Rantanen, Makar, and The Man, MacKinnon!!

  14. Very good. He could be the only person on a forward line that isn’t held as defensively responsible aka plays to his strengths, and the line will still run through you. Whether it’s him or his buddies that catches him skating around like a goddam lightening bolt. I don’t even like the Avs but you have to be an idiot not to appreciate his get the fuck outta my way style.

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