Nathan MacKinnon

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

MacKinnon won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. Individually, MacKinnon has been awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2014 as the top rookie, the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2020 for sportsmanship and performance, the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2024 as the most valuable player, the Ted Lindsay Award in 2024 as the most outstanding player and the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy winner as the NHL's leading goal-scorer in 2026. He was also a finalist for the Hart Trophy in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2026 and the Ted Lindsay Award in 2018, 2020 and 2025. These achievements have made him widely regarded as one of the best ice hockey players of his generation.

In Their Own Story

On December 3, 2011, a 16-year-old MacKinnon etched his name into QMJHL history by scoring five goals in a single game against the Quebec Remparts. Facing Patrick Roy, then the opposing coach, he tied the franchise record for most goals in a game held by Jason King. Later, on October 2, 2013, he made his NHL debut, registering two assists on Jamie McGinn's goals in a 6–1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. His rookie season saw him surpass Wayne Gretzky with a 13-game point streak from January 25 to March 6, 2014. He finished that year leading all rookies with 63 points. The following years brought physical tolls; on February 22, 2015, he scored his first career NHL hat trick but broke a foot blocking a shot, and days later suffered a broken nose from Sean Bergenheim. After missing the remainder of the season and another ten games in 2016 due to an MCL tear, MacKinnon returned stronger. On November 16, 2017, he recorded his first five-point game with a goal on Philipp Grubauer and four assists, sparking a career resurgence that would lead to multiple MVP awards and the 2022 Stanley Cup.

Reader's Guide

MacKinnon was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and grew up playing in the minor ice hockey system of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. As an atom aged player (under 11), MacKinnon recorded 200 points in 50 games. When MacKinnon was 12 and 13, he played Bantam AAA for the Cole Harbour Red Wings, recording seasons of 110 and 145 points, respectively. After these two seasons, MacKinnon enrolled at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. In his first season at Shattuck-Saint Mary's playing with the Bantam Tier I program, he scored 101 points in 58 games. For the 2010–11 season, MacKinnon joined the under-16 Midget program at the school. During the season, MacKinnon was named to the team that represented Nova Scotia in the ice hockey tournament at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. MacKinnon scored eight goals and eleven points to finish fourth in tournament scoring as Nova Scotia finished in seventh place. MacKinnon finished his second season at Shattuck-Saint Mary's with 93 points in 40 games played. Heading into the 2011 QMJHL Draft, MacKinnon was widely regarded as the favourite to be selected first overall. On June 4, 2011, MacKinnon was selected first overall by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. On July 13, 2011, MacKinnon's rights were traded to the Halifax Mooseheads. MacKinnon scored his first QMJHL hat-trick on December 3, 2011, scoring five goals in a 6–4 victory over the Quebec Remparts. On May 26, 2013, MacKinnon led the Mooseheads to their first Memorial Cup championship and was named Most Valuable Player. On June 30, 2013, the Avalanche used their first overall pick to select MacKinnon. MacKinnon made his NHL debut on October 2, 2013, registering two assists. He scored his first NHL goal on October 12. MacKinnon won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2014. He recorded his first career NHL hat trick on February 22, 2015. On July 8, 2016, MacKinnon re-signed with the Avalanche to a seven-year, $44.1 million contract. On October 13, 2016, MacKinnon was announced as an alternate captain for the Avalanche. He was named to his first NHL All-Star Game on January 10, 2017.

Did You Know?

• MacKinnon became the youngest player to ever win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
• He recorded a 13-game point streak as an 18-year-old, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record for longest scoring streak by an 18-year-old.
• MacKinnon scored five goals in a single QMJHL game, tying the Mooseheads record.
• He was selected first overall in the 2011 QMJHL Draft by Baie-Comeau Drakkar but was traded to Halifax Mooseheads.