People consider Nathan MacKinnon as one of the best hockey players in the world today. You hear hockey commentators mentioning that often. For several reasons, he commands high respect and admiration from fans, analysts, and fellow players.
His Skills
First, MacKinnon’s incredible skill set is undeniable. MacKinnon is currently the top point scorer in the NHL. He possesses a rare combination of speed, agility, and strength, allowing him to make plays that most players can only dream of. His puck-handling abilities are stunning. He has the uncanny ability to skate through entire teams quickly. His shot accuracy and power are also top-notch, making him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the ice.
Never forget the 2016 World Cup of Hockey 3v3 overtime between North American & Sweden when Nathan MacKinnon scored a sick game winner to for NA in round robin play pic.twitter.com/uatLk2vSmq
— Hockey Talk (@Hockey_TaIk) April 20, 2020
His Work Ethic
Second, MacKinnon’s work ethic is unmatched. He is a gym rat and spends countless hours honing his skills and improving his physical fitness. His dedication to his craft is evident in his on-ice performances, as he always seems in top form. He’s also a team player who’s always willing to lend a helping hand to his teammates and lead by example.
His Winners Mentality
Third, MacKinnon has a winner’s mentality. With a burning desire to win, he’s a fierce competitor who will go to any lengths to help his team succeed. He’s won several individual awards, including the Calder Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy, but he’s always focused on team success. He’s been a critical player in the Colorado Avalanche’s recent success, leading them to the playoffs in the last three seasons.
His Leadership Skills
MacKinnon’s leadership skills are also noteworthy. Despite his young age of 28, he’s already proven himself as a leader both in the locker room and on the ice. His teammates and coaches respect him, and his positive attitude and work ethic are infectious.
Colorado Avalanche’s coach, Jared Bednar, has commented on MacKinnon’s dedication this past week.
🗣️ Jared Bednar
“It’s nice to win a couple games, and we played some solid hockey going into the break”#GoAvsGo #GoKingsGo
Powered by: @HockeyMonkey | https://t.co/wGgjYGqszp pic.twitter.com/ICOFThCvkO— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) January 27, 2024
His Dedication and Commitment
During a post-game interview, Jesse Montano asked coach Jared Bednar about his daily interaction with MacKinnon. He responded,
“Same way I always do,” Bednar said. “Same way I do when he’s not rolling, to be honest with you. If I hadn’t, like I tried to leave Nate alone and on certain days if I have information for him, I think that can help him and I don’t have to do a lot because now the iPads and like he’s so in tune with everything like they’re looking at it constantly. And if I’m seeing something repeatedly, habitually, that he’s doing, I think he could change to give himself a better chance to help produce offense or on the defending side of it.”
MacKinnon’s one-hour post-game routine always results in the team being slow to leave an away game arena. And he is okay with that.
The Avalanche coaching staff has discovered the ideal approach to maximize MacKinnon’s potential. This season, he has broken several records and looks set to continue.
What an embrace between Nathan MacKinnon and Erik Johnson after winning the Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/sqjHj0qVCT
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) June 27, 2022
Conclusion
Nathan MacKinnon is an elite hockey player for several reasons. His combination of skill, work ethic, winners’ mentality, and leadership abilities make him one of the best players in the game today. Watching him brings joy while opponents dread him; he will dominate the NHL for years.