Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues to prove why he’s among the best in the world. Through 61 games this season, he has 23 goals and 68 assists, totaling 91 points—putting him on pace for the second-highest point total of his career.
In February, the Avalanche went 5-3-0, and MacKinnon was a major factor. He was outstanding, recording four goals and eight assists over that stretch. The 29-year-old also won MVP at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, scoring four goals and leading Canada to a championship.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed, as the NHL named him the First Star of the Month on Saturday. The league also recognized Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel as the Second Star and Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl as the Third.
"Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel and Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl have been named the NHL’s 'Three Stars' for the month of February presented by GEICO," the NHL wrote in a press release.
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (29).
© Bob Frid-Imagn Images
MacKinnon is in his 12th NHL season after being drafted first overall in 2013. He is a seven-time All-Star, a Stanley Cup champion (2022), and has won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (2020), the Ted Lindsay Award (2024), and the Hart Memorial Trophy (2024).
He and the Avalanche will return to the ice on Tuesday at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
