Colorado Avalanche: 5 Reasons For Optimism

2. Nathan MacKinnon

Dec 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) during a breakaway with the puck in the first period of the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to reasons for optimism on the ice with the Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon stands at center-ice. I worked hard to find a picture that corresponds with that line.

The wonder-kid may not have had the explosive offensive season many thought he might have had in his encore performance after a Calder-winning rookie campaign.

MacK finished the year with 14 goals and 24 assists in 64 games. He seemed to be coming on, with a hat-trick, and a nice run of points prior to breaking his foot in mid-February. Perhaps a sign of things to come?

My not so bold prediction is that Nathan MacKinnon is going to have his breakout year, just a year later than we all expected. MacK generated 11.01 shots per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 this past season, which ranks him 5th in the NHL in that category amongst players who logged 200+ minutes this season.

MacKinnon is a future Art Ross, and Rocket Richard trophy winner.  He oozes talent, and rockets for skates. It’s going to be a treat watching this guy play in Denver for the next decade.

That’s right. MacKinnon generated shots at a rate higher than Ovechkin while playing 5-on-5 hockey. You have to expect that Nathan doesn’t shoot at a 7.10% clip next season. His goal-scoring numbers will go up, just by the odds evening out in his favor. Not to mention the fact, I think he will simply come back a much better player.

MacKinnon will be another year wiser. Last off-season, MacKinnon worked on his physical stature. This off-season, I’m hoping he works on the mental aspects of hockey. And in part, that part of his game will develop naturally just by having another year of experience.

MacKinnon is a future Art Ross, and Rocket Richard trophy winner.  He oozes talent, and rockets for skates. It’s going to be a treat watching this guy play in Denver for the next decade.