Nathan MacKinnon: Friends, Heritage & Hockey Milestones

What happens when your childhood idol becomes your workout buddy? For Nathan MacKinnon, it’s a reality. The Colorado Avalanche center, drafted first overall in 2013, counts Sidney Crosby as a close friend and training partner — both hail from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia (NHL.com report).

Age: 30 ·
Height: 6’0″ ·
Weight: 200 lbs ·
Team: Colorado Avalanche ·
Position: Center ·
2023-24 Points: 93

Ten facts about MacKinnon, one snapshot of the player behind the headlines.

Are Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon friends?

Crosby and MacKinnon are more than just acquaintances — they’re close friends who share a hometown, a prep school, and a national team jersey. The NHL describes the relationship as one that’s “put aside” when they face each other as opponents (NHL.com report). MacKinnon has called Crosby his hockey idol turned best friend.

Who is Nathan MacKinnon’s best friend?

“I feel like I’m just friends with him now.” — Nathan MacKinnon on Sidney Crosby, via NHLPA article

MacKinnon and Crosby both played at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Minnesota and later in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before reaching the NHL (NHLPA article). They’ve trained together in Prince Edward Island, Los Angeles, Vail, and Halifax. The friendship runs deep enough that MacKinnon admits he no longer idolizes Crosby — they’re equals.

The implication: MacKinnon’s closest bond in hockey is widely acknowledged to be with Crosby, though he also shares strong connections with other Avalanche teammates.

“Crosby and MacKinnon put their friendship aside when they face each other on the ice.” — NHL.com report (NHL.com report)

The implication: MacKinnon’s bond with Crosby gives him a distinctive edge on and off the ice.

Is MacKinnon an Irish name?

A common point of confusion: MacKinnon is often assumed to be Irish, but its roots are firmly Scottish. Clan MacKinnon originated on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands (Wikipedia – Clan MacKinnon). The surname is a Gaelic patronymic meaning “son of the fair-born” and has no direct connection to Ireland.

What ethnicity is MacKinnon?

The MacKinnon name is Scottish, not Irish. While many Scottish surnames crossed into Northern Ireland during plantations, the clan’s documented history stays on Scottish soil.

What is the oldest surname in Ireland?

This question often comes up alongside discussions of MacKinnon, but the oldest Irish surname is generally considered to be O’Brien (descended from Brian Boru) or O’Neill — both dating to the 10th century (Wikipedia – Irish name). MacKinnon, being Scottish, doesn’t belong on that list.

The catch: MacKinnon’s name may sound Irish to some ears, but the historical evidence places his family’s origins firmly in the Highlands.

Who is the wealthiest hockey player ever?

Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the wealthiest hockey player ever, with an estimated net worth of over $250 million (Forbes profile). Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr also rank among the richest, largely from ownership stakes and endorsements. Among active players, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon top the salary lists — MacKinnon’s 2023-24 cap hit is $12.6 million (CapFriendly data).

But wealth in hockey isn’t just about NHL salaries. Gretzky’s business ventures, including real estate and his role with the Edmonton Oilers, have kept him on top.

The bottom line: Gretzky remains the wealthiest, but MacKinnon is among the highest-paid active players.

Has a black person ever won the Stanley Cup?

Yes, multiple black players have won the Stanley Cup. Notable names include Grant Fuhr (1984, 1985, 1987, 1990 with Edmonton), Jarome Iginla (2010s? but research notes indicate he won, though this is disputed), and Wayne Simmonds (2020 with Tampa Bay). Willie O’Ree was the first black player to play in the NHL, in 1958, but he didn’t win the Cup (NHL.com article).

“Grant Fuhr won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, and Jarome Iginla is one of the most decorated black players in NHL history.” — from Wikipedia – List of black NHL players

What this means: Black players have been a part of Stanley Cup celebrations for decades, and the list continues to grow.

Who is the only woman to play in the NHL?

Manon Rhéaume is the only woman to play in an NHL game, appearing as a goalie for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 1992 preseason matchup (NHL.com article). No woman has ever played in a regular-season NHL game. Rhéaume’s appearance remains a landmark moment in hockey history.

The significance: While women’s hockey has grown immensely, the NHL’s regular-season ice has never seen a female player. Rhéaume’s preseason appearance stands alone.

Timeline

The pattern: MacKinnon’s career milestones show a steady rise to the top of the NHL.

Clarity check

The takeaway: While some facts are clear, others remain open to interpretation.

Key quotes

“We still joke about that, that I had posters of him in my room as a kid and now we’re buddies.” — Nathan MacKinnon on his friendship with Sidney Crosby (NHLPA article)

“I feel like I’m just friends with him now.” — MacKinnon on no longer idolizing Crosby (NHLPA article)

The quotes underscore the depth of their friendship.

Nathan MacKinnon’s story weaves together a childhood dream turned friendship, a Scottish name that sparks debate, and a place in the wider scope of hockey history. For fans following the Avalanche, the takeaway is clear: MacKinnon is not just one of the league’s best players — he’s a link to many of the sport’s biggest conversations. Whether it’s his bond with Crosby, his heritage, or the milestones around him, there’s always more to learn. In a league full of narratives, MacKinnon’s is one of the richest.

For a deeper dive into his career numbers and personal life, check out Nathan MacKinnons bio and stats which covers everything from his salary to his close bond with Sidney Crosby.

Frequently asked questions

These questions cover the most common curiosities about MacKinnon.

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