Nathan MacKinnon is known for playing on the edge and being as competitive as they come, and so far in 2026-27, that’s been on full display.
Just two weeks after taking care of Brandt Clarke in a fight during the Colorado Avalanche’s season opener, MacKinnon dropped the gloves again on Wednesday night in Dallas, squaring off with Stars forward Roope Hintz.
It didn’t go as well this time, as the superstar center was left bloodied by a punch from Hintz, though when asked about it after the game, MacKinnon wasn’t shying away from taking one on the nose.
“Yeah, I mean, the way we all grow up in the Maritimes, it’s pretty gritty, so I think it’s pretty normal. Most guys from that area are pretty feisty. I think it’s good to do it sometimes. I mean, I might be done for the year, but I guess you never know. Getting punched is not that fun, but the guys seem to like it, so maybe I’ll do it a couple more times,”
He’s referring to the likes of Sidney Crosby and Brad Marchand, who also grew up in the Maritimes and have shown throughout their respective careers that they’re scrappy and aren’t afraid to back down from a challenge.
The 31-year-old MacKinnon is off to a red-hot start to the campaign, having tallied 12 points (six goals, six assists) through his first six games.
While MacKinnon may not be opposed to getting into another fight in the future, the Avalanche would surely prefer he dial it back when it comes to dropping the gloves, especially after the result of his most recent bout.
That being said, the fire MacKinnon plays with is part of what makes him so special, so you can’t take that away from him, even if it means frustrations boil over from time to time.
