Nathan MacKinnon is on pace for another outstanding season, firmly establishing himself as one of the leading candidates for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and adding to his legacy as one of the all-time greats in hockey. With 64 points accumulated over 39 games so far this season, MacKinnon's talent and performance on the ice have been nothing short of spectacular.
MacKinnon's career can be viewed through various phases, from his initial emergence as the top overall pick to his early struggles, and now to what many call Phase 4—a stage of unstoppable dominance. This latest phase is marked by his consistent availability and impressive gameplay, as he has transformed himself from a player often held back by injuries to one who is now regularly making headlines with his incredible performances.
“You want to be a guy the team can rely on,” MacKinnon said, reflecting on his previous battles with injuries. “I was always kind of hurt, which sucked. I felt like I wasn’t being...that guy. Obviously, I feel a little...better about it now.” His reflection reveals how availability is not just key to individual success; it is incredibly valuable for team dynamics as well.
Throughout previous seasons, MacKinnon often found himself sidelined due to injuries, most recently missing games during the 2017-2018 and 2020-2021 seasons, which limited his ability to impact the team fully. Despite these setbacks, he finished as a nominee for the Hart Trophy (awarded to the league's most valuable player) multiple times; he finished second and third during those seasons, expressing frustrations linked to his health at the time.
Things took a turn when he logged 100-plus points for the first time during the 2022-2023 season, finishing with 111 points, yet still missed 11 games. But it was last season when he truly hit his stride—playing every game, winning the Hart Trophy, and breaking franchise records by scoring 140 points. Such noteworthy successes were directly linked to his enhanced fitness routines and injury management strategies, largely attributed to intense off-ice workouts.
The integration of these routines demonstrates the physical demands placed on players like MacKinnon. “It’s hard work off the ice for him,” said Avs forward Mikko Rantanen, emphasizing MacKinnon’s dedication to staying fit and avoiding injuries. “What he does, how he takes care of his body, all the extra stuff...that matters.”
From January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, no player has been more productive than MacKinnon, racking up 278 points—11 more than the league-renowned Connor McDavid. This achievement encapsulates his relentless determination, but what's particularly staggering is his ice time: averaging over 23 minutes per game this current season, he logged nearly 3,802 minutes over the last two seasons.
Not only does this number demonstrate his stamina, but it also solidifies his status as one of the top players currently playing the sport. Rantanen noted the pride players take in their health and availability, explaining how it’s important for them to be on the ice consistently. “You get paid to be on the ice and to play well,” he stated, highlighting the pressures and expectations surrounding athlete availability.
Looking forward, MacKinnon's achievements place him firmly under the spotlight for not just the MVP award but also the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the scoring champion. His explosive style resonates throughout the league, establishing him as a dominant player teams worry about game-planning against, especially when he faces teams like the Montreal Canadiens.
MacKinnon's historical performances, combined with his recent achievements and statistics, paint the picture of not just another great player, but one who can define what it means to be one of the best ever. His ability to perform at such high levels consistently, along with the hard work he puts off the ice, is more than noteworthy within the sport; it sets new standards for others to aspire to.
All things considered, Nathan MacKinnon is making his case not only for this season's MVP race but also for the history books. His blend of raw talent, hard work, and improved consistency owing to injury management creates the narrative of someone who is diligently carving his legacy within the annals of hockey history.