Nathan MacKinnon: 2015-16 Season In Review

Nathan MacKinnon’s career achievements are often framed by his youth. The descriptor ‘youngest’ appears frequently in his already impressive list of accolades, most notably when he became the youngest to win the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year at just 18 years, 244 days, following the conclusion of the 2013-14 season.

Now, having appeared in 218 games and completed his third NHL campaign, MacKinnon’s maturity has become a focal point.

“The lows aren’t as bad, and the highs aren’t as high as they were early,” he commented to ColoradoAvalanche.com before his 200th professional game on Feb. 4. “Not trying to sound like a 15-year veteran over here, but I definitely learned some stuff of staying even-keeled over the course of the three seasons.”

The emotional control that MacKinnon has developed was substantiated by his six game-winning goals last season, which was tied for the most on the team with Matt Duchene. Additionally, he scored two clutch game-tying goals in the final minute of regulation on Jan. 6 and 22 (both against the St. Louis Blues) with the Avalanche going on to win in overtime and a shootout, respectively.

“It feels great. A lot of …

continue reading in source avalanche.nhl.com