MacKinnon Ranked Second Among NHL Centers by NHL Network
NHL Network placed Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon at No. 2 on its list of top centers for the 2026-27 season, behind Connor McDavid. MacKinnon recorded 127 points last season, including 53 goals, and led the league with a plus-57 rating. He has now posted at least 111 points in four straight seasons.
MacKinnon's four-year scoring streak places him in rare company among active players, with only a handful of contemporaries matching that level of sustained production. His 150 power-play points during that stretch underscore his value on special teams, while his plus-146 rating over the same period reflects consistent two-way reliability. The Avalanche captain also maintains a 1.30 points-per-game average across more than 100 playoff appearances, a mark that ranks fifth in NHL postseason history. Colorado's roster features another positional leader in Cale Makar, giving the franchise top-ranked talent at both center and defense heading into the new campaign.
This ranking may reinforce Colorado's status as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and could influence fan expectations heading into the season. For younger hockey audiences, MacKinnon's recognition alongside McDavid may shape how they evaluate elite two-way play versus pure offensive output. The debate around the top spot could also generate broader discussion about what defines greatness at the position, though such rankings ultimately carry no on-ice consequence.