Damn, MacKinnon... 

MacKinnon is absolutely our sword and Makar is the shield

As a loyal but realistic Lightning fan, as soon as the Avs advanced to the 2022 SCF as our opps, I knew we weren’t gonna win. That’s how good MacKinnon is… mad respect for that guy!

MacKinnon's drive to win, hate to lose, puts the team on his back mentality is what definitely makes him rank among the best. Even higher than Makar. I mean that game against the Blues in the playoffs when he went end to end, scoring that top shelf goal pretty much sums up who he is and what he is about when on the ice. I'm glad the Avs were able to keep him long term. Hope to see him get more cups during that time cuz he definitely goes out and puts in the work to earn them.

MacKinnon is definitely the number 1 guy you'd want on your playoff team he can muck it up and then go score at any time he brings everything to the game

Flames fan here. In 2019 We won game 1 by a score of 4-0 and thought it was going to be easy. Then Mackinnon said "oh ya wait I'm Nathan Friggin MacKinnon" and we still have nightmares about that absolute domination of a gentleman's sweep lol.

He's definitely one of my favorites, got him to sign my 29 jersey a few years back at the meet the team party. He's such a humble guy in person and thankful to the fans. Crosby has had a significant influence on MacKinnon since they were kids and it shows.

When the playoffs roll around, MacKINNON hands down.

I love watching Mckinnon he’s still one of the few physical players that has wheels and hands , reminds me of young Ovi

I mean I'm an Avs fan but he's the guy I want on my team in the playoffs. And I love how he has grit to his game over a lot of stars. And also his interviews are hilarious and totally honest lol

As an Avs fan having MacKinnon alone is a blessing on its self but to then have Rantanen, Makar, Byram, Toews and Landeskog if he ever comes back on top of that proves how smart Joe Sakic was as GM and now with Chris McFarland a man Joe appointed him self it's no surprise the Avalanche are as elite as they are season in and season out because those top guys isnt where it stops our 2nd line with Nichushkin, Johanson and either Lehkonnen or Druin depending on health is a hardworking one that can easily turn the game on its head if you allow it, the Colton, O'Connor, Wood line or as Mcgahey calls it the roaring 20s line is an offensive monster if given the time and space and the 4th line no matter who's on it isn't a line to scoff at either and in net Prosmatov has improved and despite what the fake fairweather avs fans may say Georgiev is slowly becoming one of the leagues better goaltenders i mean yes his numbers arent great but when you look at the context of 7-0 against Vegas a game where the offense didn't score and the defense left him out to dry and 8-2 against St.Louis where again the defense left him out to dry and the only 2 goals was pretty much garbage time that tends to tank a goalies numbers down but despite his numbers he's still a great goalie who shouldn't be taken lightly so yeah with our top guys like MacKinnon and our depth and goaltending the Avs are gonna be a tough out this year I mean hell even with their 2 bad stretches this season they have still been a tough out in the central division lead alone and once this team is finally on all cylinders and fully healthy they are gonna feel unstoppable

Im not sure where I would rank him, but he is such a pleasure to watch. The way he wills his team and you notice him every shift he's on the ice, MVP of the Avs for sure.

MacKinnon is the total package!

Among forwards its been McDavid vs MacKinnon for 2-3 years

Mack is my #1 for all around game and tenacity. I can't argue with anyone that takes McDavid over him, McDavid is above everyone offensively.

I think players like him and Kucherov are all over the place in the rankings of the best in the league, because they are players who are very good in all areas in stead of the best at one or two things like McDavid with his speed or Mathews with his scoring ability

I put MacKinnon above McDavid for the simple fact that he has led his team to a Stanley Cup.

I'm an Avs fan and I love Mack to death. He has done so much for this franchise. He has put everything into the game and put the team on his shoulders many times. Especially, when he went from the best player on a mediocre team to a highly-skilled, two-way, team player on a cup-winning team. Having said that, I think I still take McDavid. MacKinnon has a much better supporting cast and sometimes he gets "too intense" (puck-handling into a black hole, getting frustrated and shooting with nothing there, getting mad that he didn't get a call and failing to make it back on d, or as Big Z said: laying the hammer down on teammates a little too heavy). I don't see McDavid do those things as much, if at all. Plus, as others have said, he's got the o skills of Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby, Ovechkin, maybe even Gretzky. Again, if it was me, I'd never trade Mack, but objectively it's still McJesus (and I hope he never wins a cup).

Not gonna lie, I hadn’t been to a game in person for a decade. I went on Monday, Calgary at Avs. First minute seeing Mackinnon drive down the ice in person I was so caught off guard. He’s playing such a different game. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He is so fast, tight, and consistent, the only word I could use to describe his motion on the ice is artwork. I couldn’t imagine being a defenseman going toe to toe with him. He’s so locked in it’s unbelievable

I got back into hockey in 19’.. perfect time for it really. As a co native and old Avs fan… first year they came here. And to see the team grow and win was really another epic sports memory. Only topped by my into to hockey when I was 13 or whatever… and seeing them win the cup first year in Denver. Just insane.

#1 player I want on my team in the playoffs? Nate Dawg. No question. Dude is relentless in his pursuit for the Cup. No one like him.

Mack is definitely top 3-5, but as you said he's unique. He's definitely elite and nobody can say otherwise and he's just a freight train. Galloping across the ice is a fair description because he does eat up the ice and he does it with power. He isn't afraid to hit someone or stand up for himself throw the gloves down and absolutely ragdoll the other guy which sets him apart from McDavid and Matthews. McDavid is clearly 1, but 2-5 or maybe top 7 is pretty subjective.

"He's all over the place. Sometimes in second, third, or fifth." I don't know, seems to be pretty consistent there.

When it comes to playoffs, I’d take mackinnon over anyone

He plays angry. Nothing looks “effortless” or “beautiful” from him, everything is done with intensity and effort. He’s ferocious. I love it.

Mackinnon is my all time favorite player.

I've been an Avs fan my whole life and I'd love for us to have Landy back, hurts not having the captain for 2 years, but for active players i think Ullmark would be best, our goaltending is very shaky right now.

MacKinnon is no question a future Hall of Famer. When it is all done for MacKinnon's incredible NHL career, he'll be right up next to the other retired numbers of the Colorado Avalanche.

He’s a complete player. I always thought he was top 5 in the league.

I know I'm biased but I think he's the best player in the league. When people talk about best player they always look strictly at points, but being a hockey player is multifaceted. Mackninnon's speed, strength, hand eye coordination, offensive mind, defensive capabilities, and locker room presence are what I think take him over McDavid or Draisaitl.

He doesn't need to get a thousand points he's a team guy and a winner

#1. That’s where he is in my book. Not just bc of his individual play and effort but how his teammates play bc he is on their team. Takes everyone up a notch and leads by example. #1

absolute DAWG!!!!! So happy he got his ring 🏆

Arrturi lehkonen would be my number one pick for a playoff team. He was that missing piece for the avs and I think he's got that x factor. I ordered a jersey of him the day he got traded to the avs cause I knew he'd make an impact, and cause my bf is Finnish and this was something we could bond over. As I result, I've never been more pleased with myself when I was wearing his jersey when he scored the western conference clinching goal and the Stanley cup clinching goal. Guy is super underrated and Im a huge fan.

I personally think he is top 3 IMO. The thing what Mac brings to the table is not only putting up respective numbers. Yes he does have the hands, and can he put it into the back of the net sure. But if this dude is fired up he will lay the hits and is not afraid to drop the gloves and that's kind of a rare trait in some of the top players in the league when it comes to points.

Mackinnon has the ability to carry the Avs by himself. He did it for years before they got stacked. And then the years they had a powerhouse he carried the team when everyone was injured. It’s undeniable to me who the best player is.

Mac is a truck, it's like if Ryan Reaves and Usain Bolt had a baby.

The reason why I put Makar above MacKinnon is simply due to what Makar does on both ends of the ice, but Mackinnon is still in my top 3, behind Makar and Macdavid. all wonderful talents to watch!

The thumbnail and title had me expecting he gave that Buffalo dude a dirty hit from behind. Glad it was a nice puff piece for him, Nate is a beast. He's top 5 easily but yeah, tough to choose where he slots in within that group

Mack is Pure Emotion and with Landy out is the heart of our team. He is so explosive and passionate and exciting to watch. McDavid while Amazing on the ice has the personality of a tea towel.

I think the top 3 rn is 1. Mcdavid 2. Mackinnon 3. Makar Im kinda biased bc im an avs fan

JT Miller without a doubt, man is on mission this season. For sure the most underrated Center in the league

That's cos MacK's a gamer. MacK Attack!

Absolutely top 5 in the league but he's missed so many games already in his career, his durability is certainly a question mark.

The only knock in Nate The Great is his shooting percentage. Everything else about him is top-tier.

I agree with what you said about not wanted any other player in the playoffs, year after year he somehow seems to elevate his game come playoff time and puts up crazy numbers. You never have to worry about him having a bad game or not showing up in big games

For recent cup winning teams, he has a hot-compete level like no one else. Individuals usually need a pairing as Nathan has with Rantannen, J. Eichel & Mark Stone, B. Point & Kucherov, M. Tkachuk, R. O'Reilly, seem to work with-in the team but are some recent winners that dominated. For defense, Hedman, Makar, Petrangelo, and when Wash won, John Carlson dominated.

"My cousin is Mackinnon, the hockey player. I am really fond of his unique style of playing the game."

Mack has been the most consistent player in the NHL for a long time

Mack is a beast

Matthew Tkachuk, JT Miller or Mackinnon. A player with grit who is also highly skilled.

As an Avs fan, my favorite thing about Nate is that dog in him. I'm biased but I'm taking Nate in the playoffs without blinking

i think i’d want matty tkachuk perfect skill and grit that you want on your team in the playoffs and last year it looked like it was infectious through the locker room how he played

Great video...I'd say Mcdavid #1,Makar #2,& Nate #3.But I'm biased-i work at Ball arena.All I know-wherever you rank them-we are so damn lucky to get to watch Mckinnon,Makar,Rantanen...then Jokic,& Murray-on a night to night basis. Is there another city that has 3 of the top 10-15 hockey players on earth(& Toewes/Nichuskin are kind of borderline All star esque...not to mention Landeskog if he comes back someday reasonably himself)...& 2 of the top 15 basketball players on earth. You could argue Makar(or Mckinnon) & Jokic are the best hockey,& basketball players on earth. All I know is sometimes I can't believe I pull for teams,& work in a building with that much super star power. Good job by you.

His two way play has gotten much better, but he does pace himself and it can drive me crazy because he gives up on plays and just decides to checkout sometimes.

It's more about how efficiently can you make your strengths to work for your team's needs than what you are individually.

Pure magic!!!! MacKinnon is 2nd best to McDavid in pure talent. And.....equally important: humble! Watch him when he scores.....no flare, no self attention....a handshake, a pat on the head....that's it. I'd take McDavid first....Mackinnon 2nd. I admit some "homer" bias....I grew up not far from Cole Harbour where Nate and Sid grew up...😊

Comes playoffs time, Mackinnon is the best player in the world, hands down.

Playoff picks: 1st Sid. His line is still one of the best 5v5 in the league. He's not my favourite Penguin (Geno) but he's so much fun to watch and his playmaking ability is still top tier. He's won consecutive Conn Smythe trophies. He's got the leadership skills and the tenacity needed to succeed in the playoffs. I'd love to see Sid and Mack on a line together. 2nd Kucherov. He's so skillful and has some of the best hockey IQ in the game. 19 goals. League leading 1.62 points/game. He's been on pace for 40 goals each of his last 7 seasons (excluding the season he missed) and 100+ points in the last 6 seasons. There are a lot of very talented players in the league who I'd gladly have on the Pens (McDavid, Drai, Matthews, Marner, Makar, Panarin, TNT, Petterson, Hughes bros) but they're all unproven in the playoffs. Mack is a top 10 forward. McDavid, Kucherov, Draisaitl, Sid, Matthews, Pasta, Panarin, J Hughes and Petterson are the rest of that top 10. If we're including defensemen, it gets much tougher to pick just 10.

I watch the Avs highlights just for McKinnon. The best to watch after 97.

Without question he's in the top 3 best players in the league. But whether he's 3rd, 2nd or number one, he is hands down my favorite player and I wouldn't trade him for anyone.

mac is easily a top 5 player in the league just overall skilled and the way he’s able to take over a game

Draisaitl is my playoff pick. Guy is a beast and physical, and performs in the playoffs.

Would love to see Makar next to Fox here in NY

You forgot the Nate classic of full speed to double backspins in a row. I still have yet to see anyone that does it as well or as often as nate

McKinnon is my current favourite player in the league (since Rick Nash retired). I watched him play the leafs back in march and he really was the guy you just had to draw your attention to. I would say while his speed isn’t as good as mcdavid’s his hands are better and his shot is close to on par with Matthews

Jack Hughes brings that same competitive intensity. Obviously not the physical intensity but that scrap with Aho in the playoff speaks bounds. Im biased but man i think both are such amazing competitors.

Love Mack. Kuch and J Hughes are right there with him.

Holy shit... Johnny Hawkey did a MacKinnon/Avs video... hell has frozen over.

MacK is hands down the one player in the game that would be my first pick to win one game, one playoff series. Yeah, others (especially McDavid) may have more raw talent....but Mack has the determination to win that no one can match and the skill to do it.

Quinn Hughes. I’ve seen what happens when you back end of the ice isn’t lockdown tight as a MN Wild fan.

I think Makar learned a lot from MacKinnon's style, and it is amazing. However, Makar is all the announcers talk about on non-Altitude broadcasts. Every time I'm like, what is MacKinnon chopped liver? The fire and passion MacKinnon plays with is incredible, and he highlights nearly every night. Don't forget about Rantanen and Nichushkin, who are also beasts. These 3 forwards rarely take a night off of intense play. Makar sometimes will.

ESPN has Nathan Mackinnon with a projected 106 points. Nothing to scoff at.

Love me some Mak good point on why people ate drawn to him over mcDavid

He's number 1 in my books. His speed, hands, and how he creates time and space out there for him and his teammates is top notch shit.

Nate Dawg is such a G on the ice. He would be on my starting 5 hands down

I have him 3rd after McDavid and Draisaitl among forwards. When you compare him to other players who get consideration like Matthews and Pastrnak, Mac has more points per game in the last few years - on par with points monster Kucherov. He's physical and plays well defensively without taking too many penalties like a guy like Tkachuk. He's unquestionably a playoff performer. Considering all that, I just can't put him outside of the top 3 forwards in the league. Adding defensemen into the mix, I can't comment - I still haven't found a good way to compare forwards to defensemen for the purposes of list-making.

To me, just from the perspective of what he brings to the team is beyond comparable. He still wears the A even though Landeskog is out, and is being a captain along with Makar.

Mack is number 1 in my opinion. First, I'm biased. However, when i think of the best player, they have to be the best all around player. Offense, defense, finesse, power, hands, legs, shot, pass... all of it. MacKinnon has missed 100pts a lot. But he also holds on to at least one other gear through the regular season. Playoffs hit, he shifts, and if he played that way all season he'd be public enemy #1 and i feel like he'd have more points, goals, and PIMs. The dude is a monster.

Best all around player in the league hands down no debate. He's got skill, grit, speed, and what you said in the video his determination to win. He helps every one of his teammates both off and on the ice with nutrition etc. The guy is a savage dog and trust me you want him over anyone on your team come playoffs.

Everyone compares Hughes and Makar for pts. Consider the (possible) absolute powerhouse point factory that duo would be on the blue line. Given its totally possible they dont work well together due to similar play styles and whatnot but still smth I'd be curious to see.

If i had to pick one player for my playoff run easily Brady Tkachuk. He just has that passion and the pick body to really do same damage in a 7 game series. Hes just so passionate on the ice as well- Cant wait to see him and the Sens make a playoff run in a few years.

He's right up there with McD for me. And Mac has won it all as well. Connor still has some playoff proving to do.

He’s my favorite star player because he hits and fights. Won’t see Mcjesus, Makar or Mathews throw hands like MacK has

McKinnon has the total package. Reminds me of Iginla in is prime but with elite speed on top. Based on what he’s accomplished it would be a tough choice between him and McDavid if you said I could have anyone I wanted for my team.

I want either Ovi or Crosby. Someone with experience, someone with history, someone who knows what it takes to stay in the game all the way to the finish line. Yeah, both are getting up there in age, but you get a couple of really good seasoned veterans on your bench, and then get some young kids that are hungry to make a name for themselves to bring the speed and puck-handling, and you'll have a team that, in my opinion, stands a huge chance at getting their hands on Lord Stanley's punch bowl.

the glazing rn is crazy

I’m a Avs fan all day and I love Mackinnon, but Matthew Tkachuk is on another level. Did you see him in the playoffs man that man is crazyyy.

As an Avs fan, there’s no one in the league I’d want instead of the Dogg. He’s the heartbeat that drives the team

That's Nasty Nate to you John!!! If only forsberg was there with him , fcking unstoppable!!

These Avs are a LOT like the team I grew-up watching in the 90s in that I can't pick a favorite player. If I were to rank MacKinnon, I'd say even on his worst day he's top 10 in the league and the reason no one ranks him consistently is that he plays on the WC while most hockey fans live in and watch the EC teams. The size of a bruising grinder, the speed of McJesus, the hands of Matthews and the experience of a Superstar NHLer in their prime - unless McDavid is on an absolute heater, I can't rate him any lower that #1 since he DOES have that ring, after-all. As for who I'd like on the Avs RN? I think an upgrade in net would be nice - Gibson from the Ducks or Hart from Philly would be nice, but ideally I'd like our good-luck charm Darcy Kuemper Back :)

Karlsson, remember Sharks cup run that ended shortly against cup winning Blues? There was absolutely no better player than EK until he got hammered. Also Senators deep run. Karlsson can make the magic and difference anytime in playoffs

he skates scary

Avs fans recognize when angry Mac gets the puck in our d zone.. here we go angy Mac, 200 feet away but sure goal

What i hated most about the avs winning the cup is 29 not getting the conn smythe.. that year it shouldve been called the con smythe

Mackinnon would be consensus top 3 if he wasn't hurt so much over his career. PPG he's right up there, actual points since he entered the league, he isn't. That's what hurts him with casuals. If we include defence, he's not better than Makar at his position. Makar is a unicorn.

There's a reason Patrick Roy wanted MacKinnon. Roy knows how to win.

I’m an Avs fan, and yes, I have to admit that McDavid is probably the best regular season player simply because he’s a production monster. But Mackinnon is definitely 2nd for me. For the playoffs though, I would actually rather have Mack than McDavid cause Mack has more physicality and grit. McDavid needs to be more of a Mackinnon if he wants to win a Stanly Cup.

I think Makar is the best player in the league right now. Then McDavid, then MacKinnon. There are a lot of guys that one can argue are in that 4th slot. Draisaitl, Hughes, Matthews, Pasta...

Nate Dawg is a pure beast!

As an Avs fan I may be biased but how can you not love everything that Nate brings to the table. If he had one knock against him it would be he tries to make the "fancy" play way too often and it leads to giveaways and turnovers. The pass between 7 legs and 5 sticks, one too many dekes or dangles . He can do it all though. Glad he doesn't fight . Don't need him with broken knuckles . That hit the other night was a crusher . Clean af and as solid as you can get. And zero response from Buffalo . They knew how clean it was .