NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche - Source: Imagn — Nathan MacKinnon said about $54M Avs teammate leading defensemen in points - Source: Imagn

Nathan MacKinnon makes his feelings known about $54M Avs teammate leading defensemen in points

Modified Nov 29, 2024 05:11 GMT

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon shared his thoughts on teammate Cale Makar, who currently leads NHL defensemen with 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists) in just 23 games this season. Makar's incredible production has him tied for ninth overall in league points.

When asked about Makar's production, MacKinnon raved about his fellow Avalanche star.

"Yeah, unreal. Obviously, he’s the best defenseman in the League and one of the best players in the whole League, so we’re very lucky to have him back there..." MacKinnon told in Q&A with NHL.com.

"He’s really elevated his game always, and he’ll continue to do that. He’s always looking to get better and it’s definitely a treat to play with him."

Makar is in his fourth season of his 6-year, $54 million contract, which he signed on July 24, 2021. The Avalanche have not performed their best in the season and now have a record of 13-10-1.

When asked what Colorado needs to do to keep improving, MacKinnon kept his answer simple:

"Nothing really. You just gradually try to get better. We’ve got a lot of hockey left, and I think that the guys are coming back are hungry and ready to contribute," he said. "Trying to get better every day is kind of the goal and I think our systems and style, obviously, we won with it, so it’s up to us just to play to our best.”

The Avalanche clearly have unfinished business this season, and with talents like MacKinnon and Makar leading the way, they are a dangerous team. It should be fun to watch them try to defend their Stanley Cup title.

Nathan MacKinnon discusses upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament

Nathan MacKinnon is excited for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

“Definitely, very excited. I’m very, very excited. Best-on-best is something that I think we’ve all wanted for a while now and it’s going to be awesome. I think we’re all excited the NHL his putting on this tournament and it’s going to be a fun time." Nathan MacKinnon said.

MacKinnon pointed out that he doesn't know about team composition yet, but he expects discussions about lineups and power-play units to heat up in January.

The 4 Nations Face-Off will feature Team Canada, Team USA, Team Finland and Team Sweden with the tournament starting on February 12, 2025.