Can Nathan MacKinnon Catch Joe Sakic Atop the Avalanche Record Book?

MacKinnon has already passed Sakic for the most points in an Avalanche sweater, but 499 points still separate him the franchise's all-time scoring record.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On October 7, 2025, Nathan MacKinnon entered the season tied with Joe Sakic for the most points in Colorado Avalanche team history.

With a second-period assist on a Martin Necas goal against the Los Angeles Kings, MacKinnon became the all-time point leader in Avalanche franchise history. But there's an important distinction. Sakic played his first seven NHL seasons with the Quebec Nordiques. Add those numbers to his total and the franchise record isn't 1,015. It's 1,641.

Where the Race Stands

Player	GP	Goals	Assists	Points
Joe Sakic	1,378	625	1,016	1,641
Nathan MacKinnon	950	420	722	1,142

MacKinnon needs 499 points to pass Sakic for the all-time point record in Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche history. MacKinnon is 428 games behind Sakic, which means if MacKinnon reached 1.642 within his next 428 games, he'd actually pass Sakic's franchise record in fewer games than Sakic played.

MacKinnon's last four seasons have seen him score 127, 116, 140, and 111 points, respectively. Last season was his fourth consecutive 110-point season, and his 53 goals earned him his first Rocket Richard Trophy. That's 494 points over those four seasons. MacKinnon essentially needs to replicate the last four years of his career one more time.

How Long Would It Take?

If MacKinnon averages 125 points: 499/25=3.99 seasons

He would catch Sakic in four years.

At 110 points: 499/110=4.54 seasons

That would be roughly halfway through a fifth season.

At 100 points: 499/100=4.99 seasons

That's almost exactly five seasons.

At 90 points: 499/90=5.54 seasons

It would take well into a sixth season.

MacKinnon turned 31 yesterday so maintaining his current 120-plus-point production into his mid-30s is a much different proposition than doing it at 27-30 years of age.

MacKinnon's Contract Gives Him a Runway

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

MacKinnon is entering the fourth season of the eight-year contract he signed with the Avalanche in 2022. So barring a stunning development, he's going to have several more seasons in an Avalanche sweater.

That means the question isn't really whether he'll have the opportunity to chase Sakic, it's whether he can maintain enough production as he moves deeper into his 30s. The biggest opponent standing between MacKinnon and Sakic isn't another player. It's time.

There's Little Evidence of a Decline Yet

At age 30, he played in 80 games, scored 53 goals and 127 points. That's not a player desperately hanging onto his prime. He's still smack dab in the middle of it. Sakic is currently sitting as 11th all-time scorer in NHL history. MacKinnon isn't just chasing a franchise record, but he's also chasing one of the greatest offensive players in NHL history.

The Other Recrods He Could Chase Along the Way

MacKinnon currently has 420 goals and 722 assists so he's behind Sakic by 205 goals, 294 assists, and 499 points. The point record is probably more attainable than either individual category, depending on how MacKinnon's game evolves as he ages.

If MacKinnon can duplicate the last four seasons, he'll be there around age 35. Of course, asking any NHL player to produce another 500 points after his 30th birthday is asking a lot. Sakic's 1,641 once looked untouchable. MacKinnon has spent much of his career making untouchable numbers look tangible.