Nathan MacKinnon - The real deal

[EDI-Flyer]

So it's two games in to the season but already Nathan MacKinnon is looking like the real deal and a worthy no 1 overall pick. 

 

He had 2 assists in the his first game (a 6-1 blowout of the Anaheim Ducks), the first of which was a lovely backhanded no look  pass from behind the net to Jamie McGinn.

 

 

The second, whilst not quite as pretty, was still a nice move.

 

http://youtu.be/M_d1ej0nGJQ

 

Having watched a replay of the 1st game and highlights of the 2nd (where he also had 1 assist) I thought his hockey IQ shone through brightly with his vision and overall head up play.

 

He looked very fast to me, cutting past several d-men like they just weren't there (albeit the first game was against the Ducks, whose defensive issues are such that they are allegedly looking towards the Flyers for help  ). 

 

From what I can see the only area of real weakness is his face-off skill (18.2% through 2 games according to NHL.com) which is something that should improve with a little more experience. 

 

Win or lose, the Avalanche are going to be a fun team to watch this year - the offensive style of Roy and his passion for the game + a juiced up offence should make for some interesting hockey. If MacKinnon stays on his line I reckon Jamie McGinn would be a pretty good sleeper fantasy pick (albeit my fantasy hockey history is not the strongest  ).

Edited October 5, 2013 by hf101

[hf101]

I've watched both Avalanche games thus far. Super exciting team.  

MacKinnon has some slick passing skills.  I have him in one of my fhl leagues and ended up picking up Jamie McGinn in two deep leagues mainly because of Mackinnon's skills.