"Is this a debate?" "The one with back to back cups": NHL fans debate on whether Nathan MacKinnon or Nikita Kucherov has had a better career so far

The NHL community is debating over who has had the better career so far, Nathan MacKinnon or Nikita Kucherov. The discussion sparked when the B/R Open Ice account on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted images of the two star forwards and asked fans to weigh in on their impressive careers.

Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche's star center, dominated the 2023-24 season, racking up 51 goals and 89 assists for a total of 140 points. His performance earned him both the Ted Lindsay Award and the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

On the other hand, Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov also had a phenomenal season, finishing with 44 goals and 100 assists for a total of 144 points. However, Kucherov's Lightning missed the playoffs, which lead to MacKinnon taking home the Hart Trophy. Despite what happened last season, Kucherov’s back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021 are a significant part of his legacy, as well as his 2019 Hart Trophy win.

Fans quickly shared their opinions online on X.

"The one with back-to-back cups," One fan highlighted Kucherov's championships.

"Is this a debate? Kuch clearly has the better resume at this point." Another fan questioned the need for a debate.

"It’s easily kucherov what are we doing here people" a fan wrote.

Here are some more reactions from X:

"Kucherov: Two Stanley Cups, Two Art Ross Trophies, One MVP, One Ted Lindsay. MacKinnon: One Stanley Cup, One MVP, One Ted Lindsay, Rookie Of The Year. Easy answer is Kucherov. And it is Kucherov." one fan explained.

"I personally don't like these comparisons of players at different positions. Center position has more demands on it imo. Both are having great careers but if I had to choose one to start a franchise with I am taking Mac because of position." one fan opined.

"Mack is the better player, Kuch has had a more successful career" a fan wrote.

---

Nathan MacKinnon discusses 2024 Hart Trophy win

Nathan MacKinnon won the 2024 Hart Trophy, this was his first Hart Trophy win after being a finalist four times. MacKinnon led the NHL with 140 points, setting career highs in goals and assists. He is the third Avalanche player to win the Hart Trophy, joining Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.

"Like I said in my speech, every player I grew up idolizing has their name on these things, so to be a part of that company is surreal" Mackinnon said via NHL.com

Nathan MacKinnon received 137 of 194 first place votes for the Hart Trophy, which is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. He also led the NHL in shots and had a points streak of 35 home games in a row. MacKinnon has credited his success to his teammates throughout his 11-year career.