Nathan MacKinnon’s blistering start widens MVP race as Connor McDavid shockingly slips behind week after week

Nathan MacKinnon is powering the Colorado Avalanche to a dominant season with historic five-on-five numbers and league-leading production. His impact sharply contrasts Connor McDavid’s, whose even-strength struggles mirror Edmonton’s collapse. With Colorado surging and Edmonton sinking, MacKinnon’s Hart Trophy case grows stronger each week, making him the clear MVP frontrunner at this stage of the season.