Avalanche Star Nathan MacKinnon to Miss First Game After Olympics

MacKinnon played for Canada in Milan but will sit out the Avalanche's first game back from the break.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon will not play in the team's first game back from the 2026 Winter Olympics break, according to a team spokesman. MacKinnon, the 2024 league MVP, is being held out for 'maintenance' after representing Canada at the Olympics in Milan, where he earned a silver medal.

Why it matters

MacKinnon is a top contender for the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award this season, leading the NHL in goals and ranking second in points. His absence from the Avalanche's first game back could impact the team's performance as they look to maintain their position in the standings.

The details

MacKinnon played in all six games for Canada at the Olympics, finishing the tournament with four goals and seven points. The Avalanche are holding him out of their first game back, citing the need for 'maintenance' after his Olympic participation.

  • MacKinnon will miss the Avalanche's first game back from the 2026 Winter Olympics break.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

A star player for the Colorado Avalanche who led the NHL in goals and was second in points this season. He represented Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, earning a silver medal.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL team based in Denver, Colorado that is currently one of the top teams in the league.

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What’s next

The Avalanche will play their first game back from the Olympics break without MacKinnon, who will look to return to the lineup in the team's subsequent games.

The takeaway

MacKinnon's absence from the Avalanche's first game back from the Olympics highlights the physical toll that international competition can take on elite NHL players, and the importance of managing their workload to ensure they are healthy and productive for the remainder of the season.