For a franchise that has only been around for 30 years, the Colorado Avalanche have been blessed in many ways. Three Stanley Cup championships and a plethora of legends have worn the sweater, though a handful remain at the forefront of mind for fans past and present. Joe Sakic has long been one of the legends for the Avalanche, the kind of player that has left an impact far and wide. But as the years have passed, current superstar Nathan MacKinnon has finally surpassed Sakic's legendary status in Colorado with a growing legend of his own.
Where do you begin when talking about the impact Joe Sakic had as a player for the Avalanche? After all, if you include what he's done since moving into the front office, his overall impact on the franchise is substantially more than what MacKinnon has done. For argument purposes, we'll stick with what they've both done on the ice. It is also important to remember that this discussion does not include Sakic's time in Quebec or that would be another argument entirely. As the captain of the newly arrived Avalanche, Sakic was immediately a cornerstone in the city. His 120 points in 1995-96 would have been impressive enough. He followed up that regular season performance by tying the NHL's playoff goalscoring record, winning the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP, and leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup championship.
Over the next 13 seasons, Sakic was always a high-level scorer with flashes of dominance. He finished fifth in league scoring in 1998-99 with 96 points. He had one of the greatest seasons in Avalanche history in 2000-01, scoring 54 goals and 118 points en route to the Hart Trophy as league MVP and a second Stanley Cup title. He even kept defying age to remain super productive, scoring 100 points as a 37-year-old during the 2006-07 season. Sakic was the model of consistency for the Avalanche in terms of production, leadership, and class.
Nathan MacKinnon has carved his own path to Avalanche immortality, and is now considered one of the best ice hockey players of his generation. Selected first overall by the Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, MacKinnon quickly became a central figure in the team's resurgence. While Sakic was known for his wrist shot and mental part of the game, MacKinnon overpowers people with his strength and physical presence. He won the Stanley Cup in 2022, and has also won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most valuable player during the 2023–24 season.
MacKinnon's stats speak volumes. As of December 15, 2025, in his 13 seasons with the Avalanche, MacKinnon has recorded 392 goals and 676 assists for a total of 1,068 points in 901 games, with a plus-minus of +210. He has consistently been a top scorer in the league, showcasing a blend of speed and skill that few can match. On March 10, 2025, MacKinnon recorded his 1,000th career point, becoming the 100th player in league history to reach the marker. In the 2024-25 season, he finished second in league scoring with 116 points.
While Joe Sakic's legacy is undeniable, MacKinnon's impact on the Avalanche has been equally profound. He led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022 and has consistently elevated the play of those around him. His individual accolades, combined with his team success, solidify his place among the Avalanche greats. MacKinnon has surpassed Sakic in terms of raw offensive talent and ability to dominate games. While Sakic was more reliant on skill and a quick shot, MacKinnon uses a combination of power, speed, and skill to overwhelm opponents.
Ultimately, comparing players across different eras is always a challenge. Sakic played in a lower-scoring era and was known for his leadership and gentlemanly conduct. MacKinnon plays in a faster, more offensive-minded league and brings a different kind of intensity to the game. Both players have left an indelible mark on the Colorado Avalanche. But MacKinnon's sustained excellence, Hart Trophy win, and Stanley Cup victory have propelled him to the top of the Avalanche's pantheon. As MacKinnon continues his career, he has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy and cement his place as not just an Avalanche legend, but an all-time NHL great.
