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Nathan MacKinnon reveals his favorite player to watch -- and it's not Sidney Crosby | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 12:47 GMT by Sporting News
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Nathan Mackinnon Reveals His Favorite Player to Watch – and It’s Not Sidney Crosby

When you think of the Colorado Avalanche’s star winger, the first name that springs to mind is usually “Nathan Mackinnon.” The 27‑year‑old is the face of the franchise, a perennial 100‑point scorer, a two‑time finalist for the NHL’s most valuable player award, and a linchpin in Colorado’s 2022‑23 playoff run that ended in a championship. So when the Avalanche announced that Mackinnon would be speaking on the “Inside the Avalanche” podcast, many of us were already bracing for a discussion about his own accomplishments, his locker‑room leadership, and his thoughts on the league’s elite. What we didn’t expect was the candid revelation of his favorite player to watch on the ice – a player other than the legendary “Crosby.”

The interview, posted on Sporting News on March 6, 2024, shows Mackinnon in a relaxed, “in‑the‑moment” mood. He’s no stranger to media, but he made the distinction that he’s never truly “copying” anyone – he’s simply learning from the best. When the interviewer asked, “If you could watch one player each night to sharpen your game, who would it be?” Mackinnon let the room lean in.

“It’s Patrick Kane”

Mackinnon’s answer was as unexpected as it was enlightening: “It’s Patrick Kane.” The Chicago Blackhawks legend, known for his exceptional play‑making ability, quick release, and uncanny ability to find space, is a far‑reaching source of inspiration for the Avalanche star.

“I’ve been a fan of Kane’s for as long as I’ve been in this game,” Mackinnon said. “His vision, his ability to read the play, and how he sets up teammates – those are skills that I try to incorporate into my own game. I watch his footwork, his stick‑handling in tight spaces, and his timing on passes. I’m not trying to mimic him – I’m trying to absorb a style that works for a top scorer.”

Mackinnon went on to highlight the nuanced ways he uses the footage: “When I watch a game, I focus on how Kane moves with the puck in a congested zone. He’s always looking for the open lane, and that instinct is something I want to develop. I study how he positions his body, how he’s always one step ahead.”

Why Crosby Is Not the Reference Point

The headline’s “not Crosby” note was clarified in the interview. While Mackinnon has never shied away from acknowledging the impact of Sidney Crosby on the NHL, he explained that Crosby’s style is not the one he tries to emulate. “Crosby is one of the greatest of all time, and I respect that,” Mackinnon said. “But his game is built on a different set of strengths – a different system and a different way of looking at the ice. I admire the way he leads the team, but my own play is shaped by watching Kane’s approach.”

He added that he sometimes watches Crosby for leadership qualities, “how he communicates with teammates, the intensity he brings to every shift.” Still, the on‑ice fundamentals that Mackinnon is after come from the playmaking prowess of Kane.

The Bigger Picture: A Learning Mindset

Mackinnon’s comments are a testament to his growth mindset. It’s easy for a player of his caliber to fall into a rut, but the ability to constantly learn from others keeps his game fresh. He said that the Avalanche’s coaching staff also encourages this approach: “We’re all about data, we’re all about watching footage, and we’re all about learning from each other.”

The interview also touched on Mackinnon’s own work ethic. He revealed that he’s spent the offseason developing a more disciplined training routine, focusing on core strength, agility drills, and recovery protocols. He stressed that “watching a great player isn’t enough; you need to practice what you learn.” “It’s a cycle – you watch, you analyze, you practice, you apply.”

Implications for the Avalanche

Mackinnon’s statement came at a time when the Avalanche were looking to cement their status as the NHL’s top contender. The team has been in the playoff picture for the last two seasons, and Mackinnon’s leadership has been a key factor. His candidness about learning from Kane – an NHL veteran who recently won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks – also underscores the Avalanche’s willingness to embrace a wide range of influences.

The interview hints at a broader team philosophy: the Avalanche are building a culture that values adaptability, continuous improvement, and a willingness to learn from every corner of the league. It’s an approach that has kept the team competitive, and one that may well keep the franchise at the top for years to come.

Final Thoughts

When you ask a player as prolific as Nathan Mackinnon about the person he watches most closely on the ice, you might expect a nod to Crosby or to an older teammate. Instead, Mackinnon revealed that the player he studies is Patrick Kane – a master of the art of playmaking. The reveal serves not only as a personal insight but also as a broader statement: the Avalanche’s star is constantly looking for ways to sharpen his edge, and he’s willing to look beyond his own style to find lessons in the best that the NHL has to offer.

For fans, it’s a reminder that greatness in hockey is built on both natural talent and an unending appetite for learning. And for the Avalanche, it’s a sign that they’re not just resting on their laurels but actively seeking to stay ahead of the game—one brilliant play at a time.