Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon drops bold comments on Canada's 2026 Olympic mindset
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche supertsar forward Nathan MacKinnon recently made bold and noteworthy comments about Team Canada's mindset and approach as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
MacKinnon is preparing to represent Canada at the upcoming Olympics for the first time in his career.
Nathan MacKinnon drops bold comments ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics.
Antonio Losada from Athlon Sports writes that MacKinnon is gearing up for a special opportunity, representing Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Most players from MacKinnon's generation have never had the chance to compete in the Olympics, as NHL participation last occurred in 2014.
At Canada's orientation camp in Calgary, MacKinnon reflected on his first experiences wearing the national jersey earlier this year, noting that representing Canada comes with immense pressure and offers insight into the team's mindset.
«Yeah, (playing in a major event with Canada) is something I've never experienced until the 4 Nations, just the whole country rooting for you. But there's a lot of pressure as well. I mean, for us, it's gold or bust, which is a great feeling.» -MacKinnon
MacKinnon guided Team Canada to victory at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in February, earning MVP honours while playing under head coach Jon Cooper for the first time.
"In a piece written by NHL.com's Dan Rose, however, MacKinnon is quoted as describing his first practice with Canada before the 4 Nations as 'jittery' because of his lack of knowledge of head coach Cooper's systems of play." -Losada
Based on the final results, it's clear that MacKinnon adapted quickly, finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with four goals in four games.
«That's kind of our expectations as athletes, is to be the best, and to win. So it's exciting, and (I'm) excited to feel that pressure.» -MacKinnon
The return of elite NHL players has raised expectations for Canada to reclaim the top spot, especially following its victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
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SEPTEMBRE 1 | 23 ANSWERS Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon drops bold comments on Canada's 2026 Olympic mindset Do you think Canada will take home gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy? | ||
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