When Nathan MacKinnon broke out last season, it wasn’t a huge surprise.
The Colorado Avalanche star is one of the most naturally talented players in the league, and his underlying production and performances in years past suggested that it was only a matter of time before he put an MVP season like last year’s.
As good as he is on his own, though, it’s not a coincidence that MacKinnon’s play took off right after the Avalanche coaching staff decided to load up their three best forwards on one line.
Prior to the formation of the team’s current top-notch first line, MacKinnon had spent most of his time playing with Mikko Rantanen on his right side — but the left wing was not nearly as stable, often seeing Sven Andrighetto in the role.