Rantanen has been an essential member of the Avalanche's core since arriving in 2015-16, having won the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. Widely regarded as one of the NHL's premier offensive talents, he stands among the league's top five scorers over the last five seasons.

Draisaitl leads the league with 35 goals, while his 75 points on the year have him closing in on the only player with more, Nathan Mackinnon of the Colorado Avalanche (77). The fact he’s not even considered the Oilers’ best player is icing on Edmonton’s cake.

The NHL salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the next few years, and while more teams won't spend to the limit, the Edmonton Oilers will benefit by having the financial power to spend to the cap.

MacKinnon dished out two assists in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rangers. MacKinnon saw success alongside new linemate Martin Necas and the two provided assists on Cale Makar's pair of first-period goals.

Nathan MacKinnon is good for at least a handful of highlight-reel goals each season. His second tally in Thursday’s first period at Ball Arena was exactly that.

But in a season full of statements, the Oilers issued another one Thursday in Denver, turning a night when they had every excuse to shrug their shoulders and look for a soft spot on the canvas into one of the most impressive comeback wins you’re ever going to witness.

After a thrilling come-from-behind victory on Tuesday, the Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers in the second of a five-game homestand. This is the second of three meetings between the teams this season, as the Oilers won 4-1 in Denver on November 30, and they’ll play again in Edmonton on February 7.

Colorado Avalanche (27-18-1, in the Central Division) Denver; Saturday, 4 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Avalanche host the Dallas Stars after Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals in the Avalanche’s 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Colorado has a 6-7-0 ...

One of the best players in the game is continuing to impress and is on pace to take home some more hardware. Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon is once again scoring at a torrid pace.

Denver, Co. - It's a battle of the stars at Ball Arena tonight as the Colorado Avalanche prepare to host Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers. Tonight's matchup features Nathan MacKinnon, Draisaitl, McDavid, and Mikko Rantanen ...

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon extended Colorado’s lead in its Western Conference showdown against the Oilers with two first-period goals in rapid succession.

NHL last night, including the Canadiens’ match in Dallas. The CH won their game against the Stars, but we also need to talk about what happened elsewhere across the league. It was a busy evening: That’s a wrap on a 13-game Thursday!