NHL Rescinds Major Penalty Against Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon

MacKinnon will not face suspension after collision with Oilers goaltender

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:56pm

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The NHL has rescinded a major penalty and game misconduct that Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon initially received for colliding with Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram during a game on Tuesday night. The decision means MacKinnon will not face a one-game suspension if he were to receive another game misconduct in his next 41 regular-season games.

Why it matters

The rescinded penalty is significant because MacKinnon, the odds-on favorite to win the NHL's Hart Trophy as most valuable player, would have faced a one-game suspension if he received another game misconduct for a physical infraction in his next 41 games. This decision allows MacKinnon to avoid that potential suspension as the Avalanche push for the playoffs.

The details

MacKinnon, attempting to receive a pass on a second-period power play, crashed into Ingram in the crease after contact with Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. The call was reviewed and upheld, forcing the Avalanche to kill more than four minutes of short-handed time. Ingram left the game but has since returned to action. Edmonton came back to beat the Avs 4-3.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 12, 2026 during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers.
  • The NHL rescinded the penalty on Thursday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

A superstar forward for the Colorado Avalanche and the odds-on favorite to win the NHL's Hart Trophy as most valuable player.

Connor Ingram

The goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers who was involved in the collision with MacKinnon.

Darnell Nurse

An Oilers defenseman who was involved in the contact that led to the collision between MacKinnon and Ingram.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche who was critical of the penalty call after the game.

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What they’re saying

“There's no chance he hits the goalie if Nurse doesn't run into him. I don't care if (Ingram is) injured, not injured, if it's a severe crash, not a severe crash — it's not a penalty. If you put guys into your own goalie, it's not a penalty. … The goalie's hurt, so it's five (minutes). Again, I really don't give a crap if the goalie's hurt. That's on their D-man, not our guy.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche (Denver Post)

What’s next

The Avalanche play the Seattle Kraken on Friday, March 15, 2026, as they continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

This decision by the NHL allows Nathan MacKinnon to avoid a potential one-game suspension, keeping the Avalanche's superstar on the ice as they aim to secure a playoff spot. It also highlights the ongoing debate around penalty calls and player safety in the NHL.