Bruce Boudreau predicts Nathan MacKinnon & $100,000,000 Oilers star's clash to get best NHL player crown

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 12, 2024 12:17 GMT

Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche superstar, had an outstanding 2023-24 season. He won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award, becoming the 24th player in NHL history to achieve this in the same year.

As MacKinnon looks forward to the 2024-25 season, NHL experts are already wondering how he will follow up such a stellar year. In a recent discussion on NHL Network, former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau praised MacKinnon’s relentless drive.

“There’s not much left for him to do other than go out and win the Cup again,” Boudreau said.

Boudreau talked about MacKinnon’s impressive endurance, hailing him as one of the few forwards who can play over 22 minutes per game and still perform at a high level. MacKinnon’s quick release and ability to shoot from anywhere on the ice make him a constant scoring threat. His physical play also makes him tough to compete against.

"He is a special player. Not only that, but he’s big, tough and miserable to play against." Boudreau said. "If he’s miserable, then he’s being physical. He checks every box you want in a hockey player. That’s why he’s going to continue to win multiple trophies, whether individual or team."

Nathan MacKinnon’s rivalry with Connor McDavid is expected to intensify. McDavid, who is currently on an eight-year contract worth $100,000,000 with the Edmonton Oilers, is also aiming for his first Stanley Cup win.

So, both players will continue to push each other as they strive to be the best in the league. Boudreau predicted that this battle for supremacy will continue every year.

"You’ve got both him and Connor McDavid playing out West, so every year, it’s going to be a fight over who’s the best as an individual," Boudreau said.

Here's the NHL Network's discussion video:

Nathan Mackinnon joined Joe Sakic as second Avs player to win both Hart and Ted Lindsey Award

Nathan MacKinnon scored 140 points, including 51 goals and 89 assists, and registered his status among the NHL’s best. He joined Joe Sakic as the only other Avalanche player to win both the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsey Award. Peter Forsberg is the only other Hart Trophy winner in Avalanche history.

Nathan Mackinnon's 2023-24 season was marked by both individual success and strong leadership. As he aims for another Stanley Cup, the challenge will be to maintain his high level of play and compete against the league’s top talent, including McDavid. The upcoming will be exciting, with MacKinnon ready to continue his dominance and possibly win another Stanley Cup.