When Nathan MacKinnon, center of Colorado Avalanche slipped a crisp pass to Martin Necas just 48 seconds into the second period on October 7, 2025, the arena erupted – and a franchise milestone was sealed. The play, logged at Ball Arena in Denver, gave MacKinnon his 1,016th career point, nudging him past the legendary Joe Sakic and cementing him as the Avalanche’s all‑time points leader.
Record‑Breaking Moment
The assist came on Martin Necas’ first goal of the night, a swift slap‑shot from the left circle that caught the Los Angeles Kings’ goaltender off‑guard. With the count at 0:48 of the second period, MacKinnon’s primary assist pushed his career totals to 367 goals and 649 assists over 871 games. That single play broke Sakic’s 1,015‑point mark, which had stood since the 2013‑14 season. The NHL’s official recap posted later that evening confirmed the new total, while a split‑screen replay on the SPORTSNET broadcast highlighted MacKinnon’s trademark footwork – “the way his feet keep moving, giving him space and time,” the commentator noted.
Game Summary and Key Performances
- Final score: Colorado Avalanche 4, Los Angeles Kings 2.
- Scoring breakdown: Necas (2), Artturi Lehkonen (1), Gabriel Landeskog (0) – Kings: Kevin Fiala (1), Anže Kopitar (assist).
- Goalies: Scott Wedgewood (24 saves) for Colorado; Darcy Kuemper (19 saves) for LA.
- Assists: MacKinnon (2), Cale Makar (2), Lehkonen (1), Landeskog (0).
Beyond the record, the Avalanche’s depth shone. Artturi Lehkonen, the 32‑year‑old Finnish forward, chipped in a goal and an assist, while defenseman Cale Makar matched MacKinnon’s two assists, showcasing the top‑line’s chemistry. For the Kings, Kevin Fiala’s lone goal was a bright spot, but the team’s overall defensive lapses – particularly in covering the high‑speed play along the right wing – proved costly.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
“It’s surreal to be the one holding that record,” MacKinnon said in the post‑game interview. “Every time I step onto the ice I think about the guys before me, especially Joe. To be mentioned in the same breath… it just motivates me to keep pushing.”
Colorado head coach Jared Pierre praised his captain’s composure. “Nathan’s consistency is the thread that ties our offense together. He makes the rest of us better, and tonight was a perfect example.”
On the other side, Kings captain Anže Kopitar, in his final NHL season, reflected on the loss. “We gave it our all, but the Avalanche were just a step ahead. It’s a great way to start the year for them, and I wish them success.”
What This Means for the Avalanche’s Season
Starting the 2025‑26 campaign with a franchise record feels like a morale‑boosting shot of adrenaline. The Avalanche, coming off a regular‑season where they posted the league’s second‑best road record, now have a clear offensive nucleus that seems intent on staying healthy and productive. With MacKinnon, Makar, and Landeskog anchoring the lineup, Denver’s power play – which ranked 5th last season – could climb even higher if the chemistry continues.
Analysts at Athlon Sports project Colorado to finish in the top three of the Central Division, citing MacKinnon’s ability to generate points even when the team faces adversity. “If he can stay at this pace, we’re looking at a 100‑plus‑point season, which would put the Avs squarely in the playoff picture,” wrote senior writer Matt Hernandez on October 9.
Historical Context: From Sakic to MacKinnon
Joe Sakic retired with 1,641 career points spanning the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche eras, yet his Avalanche‑specific total sat at 1,015 – a benchmark that endured for over a decade. Sakic’s legacy includes three Stanley Cups and two Hart Trophies, making any challenge to his numbers noteworthy.
MacKinnon, drafted first overall in 2013, has spent his entire NHL tenure with Colorado, logging 871 games and climbing steadily in the league’s all‑time points leaderboard. At 29, he still has prime years ahead, and breaking the franchise record this early in the season gives him a psychological edge. “It’s a reminder that the torch has been passed,” said former Avalanche legend Peter Forsberg, now a broadcaster for the team. “Nathan’s the new face of this organization.”
Key Facts
- Date: October 7, 2025
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Record broken: 1,016 career points (previous 1,015 by Joe Sakic)
- Avalanche final: 4‑2 win over Los Angeles Kings
- MacKinnon’s season totals after game: 2 assists, 0 goals
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MacKinnon’s record affect the Avalanche’s playoff outlook?
Breaking the points record early signals that MacKinnon is on pace for a career‑best season, boosting Colorado’s offensive firepower. Combined with a healthy roster, the Avalanche are now projected as a top‑three seed in the Central Division, improving their chances of securing home‑ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
What was the significance of Gabriel Landeskog’s return?
Landeskog’s first regular‑season appearance since March 2022 marked a morale boost for the team. Although he recorded only one shot, his presence on the ice and strong face‑off numbers helped stabilize the second line, illustrating the depth the Avalanche can draw upon during a grueling schedule.
How did the Kings’ best‑home record from last season translate to this game?
The Kings entered the season as the NHL’s top home team from 2024‑25, but Denver’s early‑season energy neutralized that advantage. Defensive lapses and a lack of second‑minute pressure allowed the Avalanche to control possession, leading to the 4‑2 result despite the Kings’ effort.
What does this milestone mean for the franchise’s history?
MacKinnon surpassing Sakic ties the modern Avalanche era to its storied past, creating a new benchmark for future stars. It highlights the continuity of elite talent in Denver and reinforces the franchise’s reputation for developing Hall‑of‑Fame caliber players.
Will MacKinnon likely break the overall franchise record of 1,641 points?
At 29 and averaging over a point per game, MacKinnon is on a trajectory to challenge Sakic’s 1,641‑point total within the next five seasons, assuming he remains healthy and the Avalanche continue to play deep into the playoffs.
