The act of alluding to or drawing inspiration from the career, playing style, or impact of a prominent hockey player, specifically Nathan MacKinnon, functions as a shorthand for conveying concepts related to speed, skill, and competitive drive. For example, a broadcaster might describe a young player’s offensive abilities as “showing shades of MacKinnon” to quickly establish a comparison point for the audience.
Such allusions offer several benefits. They provide immediate recognition and understanding due to the player’s established reputation. Using a well-known athlete’s name connects new information to existing knowledge, making it easier for audiences to grasp complex concepts. Furthermore, in the context of sports analysis, referencing a player known for a particular attribute (e.g., MacKinnon’s speed and tenacity) allows for a concise and impactful assessment. This practice builds on a history of using iconic figures to benchmark excellence and highlight noteworthy player characteristics across different eras.