The Avalanche top stars, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, are the current favorites to win the Hart and Norris Trophies, respectively.

Nathan MacKinnon is powering the Colorado Avalanche to a dominant season with historic five-on-five numbers and league-leading production. His impact sharply contrasts Connor McDavid’s, whose even-strength struggles mirror Edmonton’s collapse.

When examined closely, Martin Nečas and Nathan MacKinnon reveal a strikingly similar blueprint—parallel in skill, mindset, and the nuanced growing pains that have shaped their paths to NHL prominence.

MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals (22) and points (46) while being third in assists (24). Cale Makar leads defensemen in points (32), is tied for first in assists (23) and tied for second in goals (9). Among all skaters, he’s tied for fourth in assists and tied for 10th in points. Martin Necas is ninth in the NHL in points (33).

Learn more about Nathan MacKinnon's international career and his road to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games.

Nathan MacKinnon was named the NHL's first star of November, leading the Colorado Avalanche to an 11-0-2 record with 26 points in 13 games. He was joined by Dallas's Jason Robertson and Chicago's Connor Bedard as top performers.

Some expected names top the Hart and Norris projections, but the competition for the Selke might make for this year's most interesting race.

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen used ex-teammate Nathan MacKinnon as an example to explain his connection with Wyatt Johnston.