Five Current Colorado Avalanche Players Most Likely To Be Hall of Famers

2. Nathan MacKinnon

Nov 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Pepsi Center. The Canucks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan MacKinnon is still a relative baby in the NHL, with only one full season under his belt. MacKinnon comes with a lot of hype and expectation, as the number one overall pick in his 2013 draft class.

His first season lived up to the hype, with Mackinnon leading all first-year players in scoring, and a shiny Calder Memorial Trophy as a reward for his efforts.

MacKinnon finds the number two spot on this list, mostly due to his prodigal talent level. He still has a lot of career left, and will have to deliver on the promise he has shown to earn a Hall of Fame nod. Of the forwards on the Avalanche, to me, he seems like the best bet to deliver.

MacKinnon will be 22 when the next Winter Olympics role around. It will be interesting to see how his career evolves, and if he is ready to join the Canadian roster, which is currently loaded at Center. As of today, teammate Matt Duchene would probably get the nod over MacKinnon.

It is also a possibility that NHL athletes will soon no longer compete in the Olympics, which will create an interesting dynamic in evaluating Hall of Fame credentials going forward. Sakic was a no-doubt Hall of Famer regardless, and Forsberg probably as well. However, there is no denying, that both players supplemented their resumes with heroic performances for their countries at the Olympics. Both played integral roles, and had iconic moments, in gold medal runs.

MacKinnon Career Stats

Goals: 29

Assists: 45

Points: 74

Games Played: 101

Notable Career Accomplishments

• MVP and champion of the 2013 Memorial Cup
• Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL rookie of the year) in 2014
• 1st overall selection in 2013 NHL Entry Draft
• Beat Charles Hamelin in acceleration skating duel (Ha, jokes!)