December's NHL 'Three Stars' Shine Bright: McDavid, MacKinnon, and Celebrini Take Center Stage!
It's official: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini have been crowned the NHL's 'Three Stars' for December, presented by GEICO. These hockey titans, all selected for Canada's roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, put on a show that had fans on the edge of their seats. Let's dive into their stellar performances!
FIRST STAR – CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS
McDavid, the Oilers' captain, was absolutely electric, leading the league with a whopping 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in just 15 games. This incredible feat marks the most points by any NHL player in a single calendar month since Mario Lemieux back in December 1995. Talk about setting the bar high! McDavid's performance helped propel the Oilers from sixth to first place in the Pacific Division, with a December record of 9-5-1. He also had a remarkable streak of points in 14 consecutive games, showcasing his consistency and dominance. During this run, he racked up nine multi-point efforts, including a hat trick and a five-assist game! McDavid's impact was undeniable, ranking among the top performers in numerous categories, including power-play assists and points. Currently, he shares the lead in league scoring with 70 points through 41 games, and leads the NHL in assists, power-play assists, and power-play points.
SECOND STAR – NATHAN MacKINNON, C, COLORADO AVALANCHE
MacKinnon, the 'First Star' of November, continued his impressive form, securing the second spot in December with 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) in 14 games. He was instrumental in leading the Avalanche to a stellar 12-1-1 record, solidifying their lead in the Presidents' Trophy race. MacKinnon's consistency was remarkable, with points in 12 of his 14 December games. He also had an incredible 10 multi-point performances, including a four-game stretch and a three-game run to end the month. He also reached a significant milestone, scoring his 400th career goal. MacKinnon topped the league in goals and even-strength goals, and ranked among the leaders in shots on goal and plus/minus. He matches McDavid with 70 points this season, and is in the running for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
THIRD STAR – MACKLIN CELEBRINI, C, SAN JOSE SHARKS
Young gun Macklin Celebrini burst onto the scene, finishing fourth in the NHL with 25 points (8 goals, 17 assists) in 14 games. He helped the Sharks secure a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Celebrini's impact was immediate, with points in 11 of his 14 games, including a nine-game streak to close out the month. He had eight multi-point performances, and ranked among the leaders in even-strength assists and points. At just 19 years old, Celebrini is already making waves, and is on pace to become one of the youngest players to achieve this level of success in NHL history. Celebrini has factored in 50.8% of his team's goals this season, which is only second to McDavid! He also leads in even-strength assists.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could Celebrini's rapid rise challenge the established dominance of McDavid and MacKinnon?
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these players extends beyond the stats. They are leaders, inspiring their teams and captivating fans with their skill and determination.
What do you think of these selections? Do you agree with the 'Three Stars' choices, or were there other players who deserved recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
