SALT LAKE CITY — Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon will not play for the club in its first game back from the 2026 Winter Olympics break. Related Articles Avalanche fend off Mammoth without Nathan MacKinnon in first game after Olympic break Avalanch e’s Brock Nelson speaks about winning gold medal, criticism of his United States teammates Keeler: Avalanche’s Brock Nelson put family, Stanley Cup before Donald Trump? Good for him. Avalanche’s Brock Nelson skips Team USA White House visit after winning gold medal Avalanche trade Samuel Girard, second-round pick to Penguins for Brett Kulak He is not in the lineup against the Utah Mammoth because of “maintenance,” according to a team spokesman. This is the first game MacKinnon has missed this season for the Avs. MacKinnon played in all six games for Canada at the Olympics in Milan, earning a silver medal after the United States won the final, 2-1, in overtime in an instant classic. He finished the tournament with four goals and seven points. The 2024 league MVP is a top contender for the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award again this season. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 40 goals and is second to Edmonton’s Connor McDavid with 93 points. Want more Avalanche news? Sign up for the Avalanche Insider to get all our NHL analysis. ...read more read less