Latest Avalanche update puts superstar in the spotlight
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images
The latest Colorado Avalanche update puts superstar Nathan MacKinnon in the spotlight, as he's being named a leading candidate to take home the Hart Trophy at the end of the upcoming season.
Beyond the race for the 2026 Stanley Cup, the upcoming season is already shaping up with a wealth of Hart Trophy (MVP) candidates.
Nathan MacKinnon a leading candidate to take home the Hart Trophy at the end of the upcoming season.
Jacob Punturi from Breakaway On Si writes beyond the race for the 2026 Stanley Cup, the upcoming season is brimming with MVP contenders. Reigning winner Connor Hellebuyck has the opportunity to defend his crown, but several challengers are already vying for the Hart Trophy in 2026.
"The NHL hasn't seen a player repeat as the league MVP since 2009, when Alexander Ovechkin claimed his second consecutive Hart Trophy. The last time a goaltender accomplished the feat was a decade before that, when Dominik Hasek won back-to-back Hart Trophies in 1997 and 1998." -Punturi
If any can do it, it's Hellebuyck. Winnipeg still leans on him for playoff success, and barring injury, he remains one of the best in the world. He's got a shot.
"MacKinnon won the award in 2024 after a monstrous season, and his encore campaign was just as impressive. Heading into 2025-2026, he's attempting to record his fourth consecutive 100+ point season." -Punturi
MacKinnon is at the peak of his game, and it's easy to imagine him hoisting the Hart Trophy next spring. With the Colorado chasing redemption after falling behind in the Western Conference since their 2022 Stanley Cup win, this season is crucial.
MacKinnon's play will be MVP-caliber, it's just a matter of whether the league recognizes it with the hardware.
While MacKinnon makes his push for the Hart Trophy, he'll face stiff competition from fellow league superstars Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and David Pastrnak.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 23 ANSWERS Latest Avalanche update puts superstar in the spotlight Who do you think has the best chance of winning the Hart Trophy next season? | ||
| Nathan MacKinnon | 14 | 60.9 % |
| Connor McDavid | 6 | 26.1 % |
| Auston Matthews | 3 | 13 % |
| Connor Hellebuyck | 0 | 0 % |
| List of polls | ||
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