Watch: Nathan MacKinnon continues to bolster MVP case

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) controls the puck in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Watch: Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon continues to bolster MVP case

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 12:44 AM ET

Nathan MacKinnon is in a tight race for the Hart Trophy (MVP), but the Colorado Avalanche center likely added another bullet point to his strong résumé on Wednesday night.

Against the Winnipeg Jets, MacKinnon netted a goal early in the second period, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead. On the play, he became the first player in the league to reach 75 points this season.

This guy is so good https://t.co/AJmUk34RLz pic.twitter.com/GFzfArOkXh
— NHL (@NHL) January 23, 2025

MacKinnon aims to become the first player to win back-to-back MVPs since Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Thus far, MacKinnon may have a slight lead in the MVP race. In NHL.com's latest trophy tracker, a panel of 16 writers and editors gave the Avalanche star the most first-place votes (seven). Minnesota Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov received the second most (five).

To widen the gap, MacKinnon must continue to amass points. Last season, he finished with the league's second-most points (140 in 82 games) in the regular season.

Through his first 48 games this season, MacKinnon recorded 18 goals and 56 assists, the most in the league.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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