As we gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, one of the most pressing questions in the fantasy hockey world revolves around the elite of the elite. And in that top tier, Nathan MacKinnon’s name is always circled, highlighted, and underlined. After a dynamic 2024-25 campaign that saw him post an impressive 32 goals and 84 assists for 116 points in 79 games, the question isn’t if he’ll be a fantasy force, but rather how high his ceiling truly is.
From my perspective, MacKinnon is primed for another exceptional season, and I’m projecting a slight uptick in his overall production. The combination of his relentless motor, elite skill set, and an even more potent Colorado Avalanche power play sets the stage for a truly special year.
Unpacking the Projections: Goals, Assists, and Power Play Dominance
Let’s get right to it. For the 2025-26 season, I’m projecting Nathan MacKinnon to finish with 42 goals and 88 assists for a remarkable 130 points.
Now, let’s break down why. While his goal total dipped slightly last season, his assist numbers were astronomical. I foresee a rebalancing of those stats this coming year. A healthy MacKinnon is a shooting MacKinnon, and with the talent surrounding him, he’ll find the back of the net with more frequency.
The power play is where we could see a significant surge in his production. The Avalanche brass has made it clear they want to stack their top unit, and the projected personnel is nothing short of terrifying for opposing penalty kills. Imagine a power play quarterbacked by the sublime Cale Makar, with MacKinnon and the newly acquired, dynamic Martin Necas on the flanks. Add in the net-front presence and leadership of a returning Gabriel Landeskog and the versatile Artturi Lehkonen, and you have a recipe for man-advantage dominance.
Necas, in particular, is a key addition. His speed and playmaking ability will draw defensive attention, opening up even more space for MacKinnon to unleash his lethal one-timer. Landeskog’s return, even if he’s not the 30-goal scorer of old, provides invaluable grit and hockey IQ in the dirty areas. This unit has the potential to be the best in the league, and MacKinnon will be the primary beneficiary.
Factors Fueling the Projection
A few key factors support this optimistic projection. Firstly, MacKinnon’s shot volume is consistently among the league’s best. He’s a high-volume shooter who creates his own opportunities. Secondly, the Avalanche’s offensive philosophy under coach Jared Bednar is built around speed, skill, and relentless pressure – a style that perfectly complements MacKinnon’s game. Finally, at 30 years old, MacKinnon is still very much in his prime. The desire for another Stanley Cup will undoubtedly fuel his competitive fire.
While some may point to a potential for regression after a high-output season, I see a player who is still evolving and finding new ways to dominate. The pieces are in place in Colorado for MacKinnon to not only replicate but exceed his recent production. For fantasy owners, he’s a top-three pick, and one that could very well lead you to a championship.
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