THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Nathan MacKinnon Overwhelmed with Joy as Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar Names Him…
The Colorado Avalanche locker room erupted in cheers this morning — and no one was more emotional than superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon — after Head Coach Jared Bednar delivered the news that stunned teammates and thrilled fans across the hockey world.
In a bold leadership move ahead of the 2025–26 season, MacKinnon has officially been named the new team captain, following Gabriel Landeskog’s long-term absence due to injury and uncertainty about his return.
While MacKinnon has long served as an unofficial leader on and off the ice, Bednar made it official in a closed-door team meeting before practice. MacKinnon reportedly became visibly emotional as teammates gave him a standing ovation.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I came to Denver,” MacKinnon said, holding back tears during a press availability. “To wear the ‘C’ for this team, this city, and these fans — it’s the greatest honor of my career.”
Coach Bednar praised MacKinnon’s relentless drive, elite work ethic, and commitment to excellence as the defining reasons behind the decision.
“Nathan is the heartbeat of this team,” Bednar said. “He leads by example every single day — in practice, in games, in the locker room. There’s no one more deserving.”
A New Era of Leadership
MacKinnon, now entering his 12th NHL season — all with Colorado — has consistently ranked among the league’s top players, winning the Hart Trophy in 2024 and leading the Avalanche in scoring for multiple seasons. His leadership was vital during the team’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, and he’s expected to carry that same fire into this new role.
The news also comes on the heels of another major development: Joe Sakic returning behind the bench as an assistant coach — bringing a full-circle moment, as one Avalanche legend helps guide another into a new chapter of leadership.
Fan Reaction: Electric
Fans across Colorado and the hockey world have flooded social media with support, using hashtags like #CaptainMacKinnon and #AvsLeader. Within minutes of the announcement, merchandise stores began updating jerseys to include the captain’s “C” stitched proudly onto MacKinnon’s iconic No. 29.
As the Avalanche gear up for training camp, the energy is already at playoff levels — and the message is clear: with MacKinnon leading the charge and Sakic returning to the bench, Colorado is all-in for another Cup run.
