Grading the Top-10 Picks from the 2013 NHL Draft

Nov 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Pepsi Center. The Canucks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche selected the draft’s best forward prospect with the first overall pick in 2013, Nathan MacKinnon.

The young phenom broke into the league and starred in his rookie season, tallying 24 goals and 39 assists in 82 games played and winning the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year.

He was a key part of the Avalanche’s surprise playoff run and 7-game series with the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

MacKinnon’s 2nd year has been a struggle both for him and his team. 40 games in, the 19-year-old has 24 points, which means he is well off pace to match last year’s totals.

This can not be all placed on him though. The Colorado Avalanche has struggled big time as a team, posting just a 16-16-8 record.

Despite some sophomore troubles, MacKinnon still looks to be the next big star of the NHL. He has showed the league that he deserved to be the top pick in 2013, and I expect him to keep doing that for many years to come.

His durability has also been very impressive. He has not missed any games in his 122 game NHL career.

Next: 2nd Overall: Florida Panthers