BREAKING NEWS: Colorado Avalanche men’s NHL team Fans Reacts in Shock As head Coach Jared Bednar makes Surprising statement Announcing that Star Captain Nathan MacKinnon has been promoted made the new……..read more

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Avalanche fanbase and the NHL world alike, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar delivered a stunning announcement today: superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon has been officially promoted and named the new team captain.

Addressing reporters at Ball Arena, Bednar called it “a natural decision” and praised MacKinnon’s evolution into the team’s undeniable leader.

> “Nathan has earned this in every way,” Bednar said. “His work ethic, his compete level, the way he holds himself and his teammates accountable—it’s exactly what we want this organization to stand for.”

The decision comes amid uncertainty over the status of Gabriel Landeskog, the long-time captain who has missed two full seasons recovering from knee surgeries. Though the team had continued to list Landeskog as captain while he was injured, sources say today’s move reflects an acknowledgment that MacKinnon has already been leading the room for years.

Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from stunned excitement to emotional tributes for Landeskog.

> “I love Landy forever, but MacKinnon is the guy now,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“This is the end of an era and the start of a new one,” added another.

MacKinnon himself was reportedly emotional when informed of the promotion.

> “It’s an incredible honor,” he said in a brief statement. “I learned so much from Gabe. I want to carry that forward and do this team proud.”

While Bednar emphasized that Landeskog remains part of the leadership group if and when he returns, the move cements MacKinnon as the face and voice of the Avalanche locker room.

It also comes at a time when Colorado is once again poised for a deep playoff run, with MacKinnon coming off another MVP-caliber season.

Avalanche management says the formal captaincy ceremony will take place before the home opener in October.

Fans will be watching closely to see how the superstar embraces the “C” on his sweater—and whether this signals a new championship window opening for the Avs.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.