Blackwood admires MacKinnon and believes another young talent will have a similar future | NHL Insider

In the NHL, few players are as synonymous with raw talent, determination, and explosive skill as Nathan MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche superstar has long been a pillar of the team’s success and one of the most dynamic players in the league, continuously ranking among the top players in terms of both offensive production and leadership. His blend of speed, power, and vision has made him a feared competitor and a model for young players looking to emulate his game.

One such young talent who has begun to draw comparisons to MacKinnon is New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. The 26-year-old netminder, known for his quick reflexes, athleticism, and strong performances in key moments, has expressed admiration for the Avalanche captain on several occasions. However, in a recent interview with NHL Insider, Blackwood took the admiration a step further, stating that he believes there is another rising star in the NHL who has the potential to follow a similar path to MacKinnon—a player whose future in the league could parallel that of the Avalanche forward in terms of both impact and success.

This article will delve into Blackwood’s admiration for MacKinnon, the qualities he sees in MacKinnon’s game that have shaped his own understanding of what it takes to be an elite player, and his belief in the bright future of another young talent in the NHL. Through his perspective, we’ll explore how a goaltender, someone who often faces MacKinnon’s offensive onslaught, can learn from watching such a dynamic forward and why Blackwood believes that the NHL has the next big thing coming in the form of a player who could make a significant mark on the game in the years to come.

The Nathan MacKinnon Effect: A Guiding Light for Young Players

Nathan MacKinnon’s journey to superstardom has been a remarkable one. Drafted first overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Draft, MacKinnon quickly proved that he was not just a top pick but one of the most gifted players to ever don the Avalanche sweater. His skill set is unparalleled, combining breakneck speed with an uncanny ability to protect the puck and make plays that leave fans in awe. Over the years, MacKinnon has transformed into one of the most well-rounded players in the league, continuously challenging the perception of what it means to be a top-tier player.

For Blackwood, who plays in the opposite end of the rink, MacKinnon’s skill and work ethic have left a lasting impression. In a league filled with young, talented forwards, MacKinnon stands out due to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. But what specifically does Blackwood admire about MacKinnon’s game?

“I think the thing that stands out the most about MacKinnon is his drive,” Blackwood said in an exclusive interview with NHL Insider. “It’s not just his skill, although that’s obviously amazing. It’s how hard he works every single shift. When he’s on the ice, you can tell that he’s not just trying to get better; he’s trying to dominate. That mentality is something that really resonates with me as a player. As a goalie, it’s my job to stop guys like him, and watching how he approaches every play is something that motivates me to be better.”

For Blackwood, it’s clear that MacKinnon’s success stems not only from his innate talent but from his determination to continuously improve and compete at the highest level. This mindset is something that Blackwood himself has adopted over the years, using his admiration for players like MacKinnon as a blueprint for his own growth. Even though their roles on the ice are drastically different, Blackwood sees the importance of relentless work and preparation, something that MacKinnon has embodied throughout his career.

“MacKinnon’s the kind of guy who makes every shift count,” Blackwood continued. “You can see it when he’s skating through the neutral zone or when he’s battling in the corners. There’s a fire inside him that I think a lot of players don’t have. I want to bring that same mentality to my game, whether it’s stopping a tough shot or making a big save in a critical moment.”

The Future Star: Blackwood’s Prediction for the Next Big Talent

While Blackwood has made it clear that he holds MacKinnon in the highest regard, he also expressed his belief that the next great talent in the NHL could follow a similar trajectory to MacKinnon. When asked to name a player he believes has the potential to reach the heights that MacKinnon has, Blackwood did not hesitate: “I’m really excited about Trevor Zegras.”

Zegras, the 22-year-old center for the Anaheim Ducks, has quickly become one of the most electrifying young players in the NHL since his debut. Known for his incredible playmaking abilities, vision, and creativity with the puck, Zegras has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top talents—MacKinnon included. His highlight-reel assists, slick dekes, and overall offensive brilliance have made him one of the most talked-about young players in the league.

“I look at Zegras and see a lot of what MacKinnon has in terms of raw talent,” Blackwood explained. “He’s got that same type of drive, that willingness to make something happen every time he’s on the ice. The way he sees the game, the way he can slow it down and make the right play at the right time—those are the qualities of a future star.”

In many ways, Blackwood’s admiration for Zegras mirrors the way he looks up to MacKinnon. Both players are highly skilled, creative, and possess the kind of flair that makes them a constant threat on the ice. However, what excites Blackwood about Zegras is not just his ability to dazzle with his skills but also his mentality and work ethic, which he believes will lead him to greatness in the same way that MacKinnon has done for the Avalanche.

“Zegras has a special ability to make plays that you just don’t see coming,” Blackwood said. “He can execute these passes and moves that make you think, ‘How did he even do that?’ But beyond the flash, he’s got the right mindset. He’s hungry, he wants to win, and he’s getting better every year. I really think he’s going to be a guy who can lead a team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re talking about him being in the MVP conversation in the next few years.”

What Sets Zegras Apart: Blackwood’s Perspective

When asked about what specifically sets Zegras apart from other young players, Blackwood was quick to highlight the Anaheim forward’s creativity and intelligence. “There’s a certain hockey IQ that Zegras has, and it’s not something you can teach,” Blackwood said. “It’s just an innate understanding of the game. He’s always one step ahead, and that’s what makes him so dangerous. He’s a playmaker, but he can also score when the opportunity presents itself. That’s what makes him so dynamic and so difficult to defend against.”

Zegras’ ability to read the game, make plays in tight spaces, and use his agility and stickhandling to navigate through defenses makes him a unique talent in the modern NHL. For Blackwood, who faces these types of players as a goaltender, he knows just how challenging it can be to stop someone with such creativity. It’s these qualities that give him confidence in Zegras’ future potential, much in the same way that Blackwood has watched MacKinnon evolve into one of the league’s elite players.

The Road Ahead: How Zegras Can Follow MacKinnon’s Path

For Blackwood, the question is not whether Zegras has the skill to follow MacKinnon’s path—it’s whether he has the drive and consistency to reach the same heights. MacKinnon’s career has been marked by incredible offensive prowess, but it has also been a product of his relentless work ethic, leadership, and commitment to constantly improving.

Blackwood believes that Zegras has the right tools to follow that same path. “It’s not just about the talent, it’s about how you use it,” Blackwood said. “MacKinnon didn’t get to where he is just because of his speed or skill; he worked for it, he kept developing, and he took ownership of his career. That’s what makes him a true leader and a superstar. Zegras has that same potential, but it’s up to him to keep pushing himself, to stay focused on getting better every day.”

In order for Zegras to become the player Blackwood believes he can be, he will need to continue refining his game. Like MacKinnon, consistency will be key for Zegras to reach the next level. MacKinnon’s ability to bring his A-game every night is what has made him a perennial contender for the Hart Trophy, and if Zegras can emulate that approach, there is little doubt he can follow in MacKinnon’s footsteps as one of the league’s top stars.