Landeskog backs MacKinnon: 'He should be winning the Hart'

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog believes teammate Nathan MacKinnon deserves to be named league MVP after another dominant showing for the 2019-20 regular season.

"I think he should be winning the Hart (Trophy) and I think he should have a couple years ago as well when he was up," Landeskog told Sportsnet's "Good Show" on Friday. "I know Taylor Hall had a great season, and he kind of willed his way for the Devils to go to the playoffs, but so did Nate with our group."

MacKinnon was nominated for the Hart in 2017-18 and finished second to Hall. This year, the Avs speedster has a strong chance to be a finalist again after posting 93 points in 69 games, good for fifth in the league.

Most impressively, MacKinnon was able to put up gaudy stats despite numerous injuries to key Colorado players - Landeskog included - throughout the season. MacKinnon was by far the Avs' most productive player, finishing 43 points clear of the team's second-leading scorer, rookie defenseman Cale Makar.

"If you watch Nate play, he's a difference-maker every single night," Landeskog said. "If we're looking for that goal, he's usually the guy that gives it to us."

The Avalanche managed a 42-20-8 record before the season went on pause, earning the second seed in the Western Conference and a bye in the NHL's play-in round.