Who was the first NHL player this season to score 50 goals?

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche was the first NHL player this season to reach 50 goals.

How many 50-goal seasons has Nathan MacKinnon had?

Nathan MacKinnon has achieved two 50-goal seasons in his career.

How does Nathan MacKinnon rank in NHL scoring?

Nathan MacKinnon is tied for second in NHL scoring with 121 points, trailing Connor McDavid.

Home / Sports / MacKinnon Hits 50 Goals, Leads NHL Scoring Race

MacKinnon Hits 50 Goals, Leads NHL Scoring Race

2 Apr

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Summary

MacKinnon is the first NHL player this season to score 50 goals.
This marks his second career 50-goal season with the Avalanche.
He trails league leader Connor McDavid by four points.

MacKinnon Hits 50 Goals, Leads NHL Scoring Race

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon has reached a remarkable scoring milestone, becoming the first player in the National Hockey League this season to hit the 50-goal mark. This impressive feat was accomplished during the first period of the game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night, April 1, 2026.

This 50-goal season is the second of MacKinnon's career, placing him in exclusive company within the Colorado franchise. He joins Hockey Hall of Famers Joe Sakic and Michel Goulet as the only players in Colorado/Quebec history to achieve multiple 50-goal seasons. Furthermore, he is now tied with Milan Hejduk as the only skaters in franchise history to be the first in the NHL to reach 50 goals in a season.