Is MacKinnon’s Laser Focus a Downer or a Win for Team Canada?

As Team Canada prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Nathan MacKinnon is singularly focused. He’s not worried about sightseeing, staying in the athletes’ village, or checking out other Olympic events. His goal is to win gold, and if it means not taking in the experience, he’s fine with it.

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At 30, the Colorado Avalanche superstar is making his Olympic debut, and he’s made one thing crystal clear: he’s not here to soak in the atmosphere.

In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Arpon Basu, MacKinnon put it bluntly: “I want to enjoy myself, but I’m not here to enjoy myself.” While he admitted it’s “fun to get to know people,” he stressed that it isn’t his priority. “I’m going to do everything I can to play well, and just hopefully it’s enough, and hopefully I can contribute.”

When asked if he had to take it all in, he simply responded, “No.”

On the surface, it sounds like MacKinnon will be missing out on some of the best parts of being an Olympic athlete. He did elaborate.

MacKinnon’s Approach Not a Surprise

“Like, I’m loving hanging out with the guys, I’m loving talking, I’m loving practising,” MacKinnon said. “But in terms of going to 10 events a day and going for dinner in Milan, I don’t think anyone’s going to do that.” He added, “That’s what I mean in terms of enjoying myself. But I’m loving being with the guys. This is a dream for me. I’m sitting next to Sid in the dressing room. At 10 years old, how cool would that be?”

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MacKinnon is well known for his obsessive training and nutrition; he’s got an extremely high work ethic. He’s got a bit of a reputation as a tough teammate, even though he’s highly respected. His approach works as he’s one of the best players in the world, and he led Colorado to a Stanley Cup in 2022.

For him, Olympic fun isn’t mingling or exploring Milan—it’s winning gold.

Expect MacKinnon To Have A Big Tournament

NHL.com called him “all business,” while Sports Illustrated noted his “different definition of fun” at his first Olympics. Basu joked about his “lack of work-life balance.” Others simply said MacKinnon is dialed in, and distractions don’t exist.

Yahoo Sports wrote, “His Canadian teammates will certainly appreciate that mindset from one of the best players in the world, who had four goals in the 4 Nations Faceoff across four games. This season for the Avalanche, MacKinnon has 40 goals and 53 assists in 55 games.”

Next: Team Canada Quick Hits: Heavy Hitters, Celebrini & Goalie Issues