Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon landed in the second spot on NHL Network’s top-10 center rankings for this upcoming season. Despite getting cast as the second fiddle to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, the panel at NHL Tonight had nothing but high praise for MacKinnon.
In particular, analyst and former NHLer Bryan Boyle described MacKinnon as an “angry bull.” The reference comes from MacKinnon’s hard-nosed style. Boyle praised the Cole Harbour native for his rough-and-tumble, take-no-prisoners style.
Boyle stated:
“He’s a violent hockey player. He’s a violent skater. And, if you come and try and run him, he’s going to give it back to you.”
Those comments underscore the physical nature that complements Nathan MacKinnon’s all-world skills. The panel highlighted how MacKinnon led the league in assists while scoring over 30 goals in a season.
The consensus was that MacKinnon should be the NHL’s best center if not for McDavid’s otherworldly play.
Here’s where I beg to differ. Yes, Connor McDavid is an elite talent. But he lacks the one thing that MacKinnon has: A Stanley Cup.
Of course, championships require an entire team. Hockey isn’t an individual sport. But if we judge the best center in the league, MacKinnon’s proven track record of success gives him a leg up on the competition, most notably Connor McDavid.
Check out the entire conversation here. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see the comments made about MacKinnon.
Nathan MacKinnon continues to represent Colorado Avalanche on international stage
The most interesting comments regarding Nathan MacKinnon’s talents came in reference to his international play. The panel underscored how MacKinnon dominated at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He won the tournament MVP award in a best-on-best setting.
That situation has set the tone for next year’s Olympics in Milano-Cortina. A loaded Team Canada will be expected to flex its muscle with McDavid and MacKinnon leading the charge. The Canadian squad will be looking to continue its tradition of success at the Olympics. And, it’s Nathan MacKinnon who will be looking to lead the way.
But there’s something crucial at stake in Milano-Cortina. MacKinnon has a Hart Trophy, a Lady Byng, and a Stanley Cup. But he doesn’t have an Olympic gold medal. Getting one would check off a major box for MacKinnon.
Like Sidney Crosby, having an Olympic gold medal would be one of the most treasured accomplishments that all-time greats can achieve. If Team Canada gets there, MacKinnon and Connor McDavid alike will go down in history as the greatest players to deliver on the world’s biggest stage.
It’s something certainly worth looking forward to next February.