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From Rantanen to Necas: How MacKinnon Adapted to a Sizeable Avalanche Change (+)
Coaching might be in the plans for Nathan MacKinnon’s post-playing career.
Or maybe not, but the Avalanche’s superstar — the league’s reigning MVP — has quickly proven that he can adjust with the times. Even if a midseason trade happens, he’ll do his homework and get ahead. Especially if it’s a player he’s likely going to play with.
Last month, the Avalanche suddenly shipped Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. MacKinnon’s longtime teammate and friend netted Colorado two forwards in Martin Necas and Jack Drury, as well as a couple of draft picks.
Drury is a depth center. But Necas, who led the Hurricanes in points at the time of the deal, was going to be MacKinnon’s new linemate.
If there was any chance that the pair were going to become the same type of two-headed monster that MacKinnon and Rantanen were, then the Avalanche’s top star was going to need to get ahead. Even if it meant going above and beyond amid a chaotic NHL schedule.
Here’s what he did.
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