Colorado Avalanche History: Top 5 Draft Picks

4. Nathan MacKinnon, #1 in 2013

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon celebrates a goal against the Dallas Stars. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t be outraged at Nathan MacKinnon’s placement as fourth most important — it’s still early days in his career. Two or three years from now, he may well be #1.

In fact, center Nathan MacKinnon was the Avalanche’s first-ever first overall draft pick. The selection came after the team’s worst season, during which they finished dead last in the Western Conference and second to last in the entire NHL.

MacKinnon made the team right away, and I think it’s safe to say he lived up to expectations. He earned 63 points, including 24 goals, on his way to winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Last season was a bit of a bump in the road for MacKinnon. He earned just 38 points, finishing behind Barrie on the team. He also had to miss the last 18 games of the season with a broken foot. However, MacKinnon is still so young — he turns 20 just before training camp. His future is bound to be very bright.