Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon Isn’t Sure Next Year Will Be Better Than MVP Campaign: ‘You Only Have One Career High — And That Could Be It’
Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche superstar, is no stranger to the spotlight. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players in the NHL, MacKinnon has had a storied career filled with accolades, but he recently expressed uncertainty about whether he could surpass his career-high achievements, even after an MVP-caliber season.
In a candid interview ahead of the 2024-25 season, MacKinnon discussed his concerns about maintaining or surpassing the level of play he exhibited last year. “You only have one career high — and that could be it,” he said. The sentiment reflects the pressure elite athletes face, particularly after reaching such lofty heights in their careers.
A Stellar MVP-Level Season
MacKinnon’s 2023-24 season was nothing short of spectacular. With 108 points (42 goals, 66 assists) in 82 games, he helped lead the Avalanche to the playoffs, continuing his role as the franchise’s centerpiece. His remarkable performances earned him a finalist spot for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player, though he narrowly missed out on winning it. Nevertheless, it marked one of the best individual seasons in his career.
MacKinnon has long been a leader on the ice for Colorado, blending speed, skill, and vision to be a constant threat in any game. But as he enters the next phase of his career, the expectations are higher than ever. The Avalanche have been perennial Stanley Cup contenders with MacKinnon leading the charge, and the fans are hungry for more.
The Realities of Peaking in Sports
“Every athlete has a peak, and sometimes, you wonder if you’ve already hit it,” MacKinnon admitted. At 29 years old, MacKinnon is approaching the age where many hockey players begin to see a decline in their numbers. Injuries, fatigue, and the natural wear-and-tear of years of professional competition take their toll.
Though MacKinnon remains in his prime, the reality of maintaining peak performance season after season is a daunting task. The margin for error is slim in the NHL, where the competition is fierce, and each year introduces new, younger talents eager to make their mark.
For MacKinnon, the question is not just whether he can sustain his elite play, but if he can continue to evolve as a player. “It’s not always about topping what you did last year. Sometimes it’s about finding ways to contribute in different areas,” he added. “The numbers might not always tell the full story.”
Team Dynamics and Legacy
The Avalanche’s success isn’t solely dependent on MacKinnon’s individual brilliance. The team has been built around a strong core of players like Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and captain Gabriel Landeskog, all of whom have played critical roles in the team’s achievements. MacKinnon knows that his legacy will be tied to the success of the team as a whole, not just his individual stats.
“We have a great group here, and ultimately, it’s about winning championships. I’ve been lucky to be part of a Cup-winning team, but we all know there’s more we want to accomplish,” MacKinnon said, referencing the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win in 2022.
While MacKinnon has already cemented his place in Avalanche history, his hunger for more is palpable. He understands that being remembered as one of the greatest requires not just consistency, but also adaptability. Whether he’s leading the league in points or taking on more of a leadership role as younger players step into the spotlight, MacKinnon’s drive to win remains as strong as ever.
The Mental Challenge
Beyond the physical toll, the mental strain of trying to outperform past successes can be exhausting. “When you have a season like that, everyone expects you to do it again, or even better,” MacKinnon reflected. “But the truth is, you never know what’s going to happen. You just have to go out there and give it everything, every game.”
MacKinnon’s reflections highlight a reality many elite athletes face: after reaching a career high, the bar for future performance is set incredibly high, and it becomes increasingly difficult to surpass it. But rather than being weighed down by expectations, MacKinnon seems ready to embrace the uncertainty.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever have a better year, honestly,” he said. “But I’ll keep trying to get better in every way I can. You only have one career high, but I still have more to give.”
As MacKinnon gears up for the upcoming season, the hockey world will be watching to see if he can once again deliver MVP-worthy performances. Regardless of whether he tops his previous numbers, his impact on the ice remains undeniable. For Avalanche fans, the excitement lies in knowing that MacKinnon will continue to play a pivotal role in the team’s success, no matter the individual accolades.
MacKinnon’s humility and drive are part of what has made him one of the most respected players in the game. While the future may be uncertain, one thing is clear: Nathan MacKinnon will continue to be a force in the NHL, and his legacy is far from written.
