Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has been crowned the “Most Impactful Team Player” in the NHL for the 2025 season, beating over superior competition such as Alexander Ovechkin, David Pastrňák, Dustin Wolf, and Leon Draisaitl. The award, awarded by the NHL Players’ Association and NHL Network, honors the player who best blends exceptional performance with invaluable leadership and team success.
MacKinnon, 29, had a career-best season, with 50 goals, 68 assists, and a +34 rating, propelling the Avalanche back to the top of the Western Conference standings. More than his statistics, MacKinnon’s presence on and off the ice propelled Colorado to new heights during a season marked by both opportunity and adversity.
“This honor is special,” MacKinnon remarked during a ceremony at Ball Arena. “Being acknowledged by my peers and the league as someone who makes a genuine difference matters a lot. But it’s all about the group. Every individual in our locker room contributed to our success this year.”
MacKinnon, known for his unrivaled quickness, ferocious competitiveness, and superior hockey IQ, has cemented his position as one of the game’s most formidable two-way centers. His ability to manage the tempo of a game, neutralize opposing top lines, and set a good example garnered him acclaim from both coaches and players.
Head Coach Jared Bednar referred to MacKinnon as “the emotional engine” of the Avalanche, citing his tireless effort in both practice and game situations.
“You look at the way Nate prepares, the way he pushes himself and the guys around him—he sets a tone that’s impossible to ignore,” Bednar told me. “His leadership extends beyond scoring. “He raises everyone’s standards.”
MacKinnon’s most important moments occurred when the Avalanche needed him the most. During a late-season stretch that determined postseason positioning, he scored 18 points in seven games, including three OT wins. His clutch performances helped Colorado secure home-ice advantage, which is crucial in the brutal Western Conference playoffs.
The 2025 award field included some of the NHL’s most decorated players. Ovechkin’s goal-scoring prowess, Pastrňák’s highlight-reel brilliance, Draisaitl’s all-around domination, and Dustin Wolf’s breakout season in net for Calgary created heated competition. However, MacKinnon’s overall impact—statistically, emotionally, and strategically—set him apart.
EJ Hradek of NHL Network summarized it best:
“When it comes to value, leadership, and sustained quality, MacKinnon checks all the boxes. “He’s the guy who makes everything in Colorado click.”
With this newest honor, MacKinnon solidifies his legacy not only as one of the best of his generation, but also as the indisputable leader of a championship-caliber club. His combination of raw talent and unwavering determination continues to raise the Avalanche and inspire a new generation of NHL players.
Nathan MacKinnon was more than just brilliant in 2025; he was crucial.