Nathan MacKinnon injury update: Latest news on Avalanche star after taking puck to knee vs. Golden Knights

The Avalanche fell 5-3 to the Golden Knights in Game 3, falling apart at the seams after opening up a three-goal lead to start the fixture.

Things went from bad to worse for Colorado partway through the second period. Not only did the Avs surrender their seemingly insurmountable advantage amid a flurry of Vegas strikes. But they also saw their best player -- Nathan MacKinnon -- exit briefly with a leg injury.

Here's what you need to know.

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Nathan MacKinnon injury update

With 7:52 left in the second period, MacKinnon kneeled on the ice in the hopes of denying a shooting lane to Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore.

MacKinnon blocked Theodore's effort. But the puck struck him in the knee. The Colorado star immediately fell to the ice, writhing in pain as the puck bumbled away.

Nathan MacKinnon was in some serious pain after blocking a shot. pic.twitter.com/wZ7V1RvzRG

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026

Medical personnel streamed onto the ice, attempting to assist the fallen forward. MacKinnon's teammates helped lift him to his feet. MacKinnon waved them away once he stood up, striding to the bench on his own power. He disappeared into the locker room towards the end of the second period.

Nathan MacKinnon has now gone to the locker room. https://t.co/OanGqMNX0C pic.twitter.com/ndVeUQrasi

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026

MacKinnon joined his teammates on the bench partway through the third period, returning to the ice to take part in the final frame, but he appeared to be playing at far less than 100 percent during a critical Avalanche power-play.

Nathan MacKinnon is back on the Colorado bench. pic.twitter.com/1CA2Vx7gny

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026

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