Nathan MacKinnon could emerge from Olympics a legend

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon has all the requisite hardware to become a bona fide NHL legend. He’s got a Hart Trophy, Calder Trophy, and Lady Byng. While he hasn’t captured a scoring title, he’s got 1,000 career points, and, most importantly, a Stanley Cup.

That’s something that great players of this generation, like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, cannot boast.

But there’s something that no one in this generation has, except for Sidney Crosby: An Olympic gold medal.

That’s why winning a gold medal at Milano-Cortina could allow MacKinnon to emerge as an NHL legend.

If last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off is any indication, MacKinnon will be poised to have a great showing. MacKinnon was the 4 Nations’ MVP, beating out other equally deserving players.

But it’s that gold medal that would close the circle on a remarkable career. The same could be said for McDavid or Matthews. But the absence of a cup is what keeps them from becoming one of the true all-time greats.

MacKinnon could follow in Crosby’s footsteps

When looking at Sidney Crosby’s career, he’s done it all. His three cups and two gold medals are just absolutely bonkers.

MacKinnon still has a chance to match Crosby. The Avalanche star can still play in another Olympic cycle, while capturing multiple Stanley Cups. But all he really needs is just one to prove, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he’s a legend of this generation.

If and when McDavid and Matthews win a Stanley Cup of their own, they’ll also enter the conversation as all-time greats. The comment does not intend to diminish their contributions. It’s just a matter of fact.

The hockey world values legends by individual and team accomplishments. No matter how many awards and trophies a player takes home, it’s the championships and medals that cement their legacy in the annals of hockey history.