Avalanche cornerstone may go down as the best player in NHL history to never receive this honour
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman / Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon could ultimately be remembered as the greatest player in NHL history to never dawn the captaincy for his respective team.
In hockey, however, true leadership is measured by actions and influence, not just the letter worn on a jersey.
Avalanche star may be the best ever without this honour.
William Bourget from The Hockey Writers reports that while the captain wears the official title, most teams lean on a core leadership group, players who lead by example on the ice, in the locker room, and during adversity.
Across the NHL, many embody the values of a true captain, accountability, sacrifice, consistency, and inspiration, even without ever wearing the "C."
"Legends like Bobby Orr, Pavel Datsyuk, and Guy Lafleur never captained their teams, yet their legacy and influence are undeniable. Today, several current players fall into that same category: elite competitors, foundational pieces of their franchises, and natural leaders, just without the title." -Bourget
It's almost unbelievable that MacKinnon isn't just the captain of the Avalanche. A Hart Trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion, and one of the league's most relentless competitors, MacKinnon brings unmatched intensity every night.
Whether he's holding teammates accountable or powering through defenders on a rush, MacKinnon consistently sets the standard in Colorado.
"The only reason he's not wearing the 'C' is because Gabriel Landeskog beat him to it. Named captain at just 19 years old, Landeskog has long been the face of calm leadership in Denver, allowing MacKinnon to be the fiery engine behind the scenes." -Bourget
Even with Landeskog sidelined long-term due to injury, the Avalanche never handed MacKinnon the captaincy. But make no mistake, this is his team through and through.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 44 ANSWERS Avalanche cornerstone may go down as the best player in NHL history to never receive this honour Will Nathan MacKinnon ever be the captain of the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 32 | 72.7 % |
| no | 12 | 27.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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