Nathan MacKinnon Reveals the Ruthless Training Regimen Behind His Greatness

In the NHL, Nathan MacKinnon isn't just known for his explosive speed, sharp skills, or killer instinct on the ice — he's known for something far more relentless: a brutally disciplined training regimen. In a rare behind-the-scenes look, the Colorado Avalanche superstar recently opened up about the intense work that fuels his rise to the top and keeps him there season after season.

No Days Off: Discipline Above All

MacKinnon doesn't sugarcoat the truth — he trains like a man on a mission. “I don’t think I’m the most naturally gifted guy,” he once admitted. “But I work like I’m the worst player on the ice.”

Throughout the year, his routine is consistent and exacting. It’s not just daily on-ice practice — it's hours of physical training, recovery protocols, and conditioning programs that leave no muscle untested and no movement untrained.

The Home Gym That Built a Legend

MacKinnon doesn’t wait for training camp to get in shape. At his home in Nova Scotia, he built a fully customized, pro-level gym — equipped with everything from endurance machines, weights, and motion-tracking tools to cutting-edge recovery tech.

“This is where it all starts,” MacKinnon says. “You can’t just show up and hope to perform — you prepare where no one’s watching.”

Functional Movement Training With Andy O’Brien

At the heart of his training philosophy lies one core principle: functional movement. It’s not just about being strong — it’s about being smart, efficient, and elite in motion. To perfect this, MacKinnon works closely with Andy O’Brien, the same trainer who’s worked with NHL icon Sidney Crosby.

O’Brien’s custom training plans sharpen reaction time, core stability, directional change, and post-game recovery. “Andy changed the way I see athleticism,” MacKinnon explains. “He made me stronger, but more importantly, he made me move smarter.”

Success That’s Built, Not Given

During the 2024–25 season, MacKinnon recorded 116 points and emerged as a front-runner for the Hart Trophy. But to him, those numbers weren’t born in the spotlight — they were built in a quiet gym in Nova Scotia, rep by rep, hour by hour, and earned through an unshakable commitment to excellence.