Nikola Jokic presents Nathan MacKinnon with his Hart Memorial Trophy before the start of an NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Oct. 12, 2024. DENVER — Ball Arena erupted before the game even began. Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon was expected to be honored ahead of the team's home opener at Ball Arena Saturday night.

Nathan MacKinnon was recognized as the MVP for his exceptional season last year when he registered 51 goals, 89 assists and a total of 140 points. As MacKinnon stood on the ice ready to receive the Hart Memorial Trophy in honor of his accomplishment, a familiar face in Ball Arena made an appearance.

The Denver Nuggets did not escape the second round of the playoffs after the 2023-24 season, but they retain high expectations for 2024-25. The Nuggets are returning three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who will be sure to continue leading the team to great heights.

If you didn't already know, the NHL MVP award is named the Hart Memorial Trophy, given each year to the most valuable player to his team in the National Hockey

The Mile High City is an MVP town. Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was at Ball Arena ahead of the Colorado Avalanche home opener Saturday night to help recognize Nathan MacKinnon, the 2024 Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner,

The state of Colorado has seen plenty of success in the the last few years, with the National Basketball Association’s Denver Nuggets winning their first league championship in 2023, and the Colorado Avalanche winning their third Stanley Cup in 2022.