The National Hockey League announced the roster for the 2018 All-star game. Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon was selected to play for the Central Division team which is captioned by Nashville Predators’ P.K. Subban. 

The 22-year-old former 1st overall draft pick in 2013, has played in 41 games this season scoring 52 points (18 goals and 34 assists). His 52 points put him in a four-way tie for second overall in scoring and eight points behind the number one scorer, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov.

MacKinnon made his debut on Oct. 2, 2013. He played in all 82 games scoring 63 points (24 goals and 39 assists) which earned him the Calder Trophy (Best Rookie). MacKinnon has played a total of 341 games scoring 258 points (93 goals and 165 assists). 

This is the second consecutive year MacKinnon will be representing the Avalanche in the All-star game. 

MacKinnon has been on fire as of late. He has been the league’s leading scorer as of November 1st and is one of the main reasons why the Avalanche are in the playoff mix. The Avalanche briefly held the second wild-card spot until the Chicago Blackhawks jumped past them by just one point. MacKinnon is also in the mix for the Art Ross Trophy (leader in points) and the Hart Trophy (MVP). 

It seemed like MacKinnon really stepped up after the Matt Duchene trade. He just seems to get better and better as the weeks went on after the trade. He is really living up to the expectations and is becoming that elite player for the Avalanche. He is still young and makes mistakes turning over the puck but as he grows more and more into the game that will fade. The MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog line has been one of the best in the league. They just compliment each other and MacKinnon is the type of player that makes everyone around him better.

I’m really glad that I have been able to watch MacKinnon from draft day, his rookie season and his development into the leader and player he is today. MacKinnon is one of the alternate captains and is that silent leader that seems to use his actions to lead. He also is quick to stand up for his fellow teammates too. I don’t think anyone could disagree that MacKinnon has earned his spot in the All-star game. 

Congratulations to Nathan MacKinnon!

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January 11th, 2018