Avalanche Considering Nathan MacKinnon With First Pick In NHL Draft

The Colorado Avalanche have plenty of options for the first pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Defenseman Seth Jones is a popular prospect who’s creating a lot of buzz as of late, but Patrick Roy’s team is considering taking a forward with the No. 1 overall pick.

The Avalanche won the draft lottery to have the top spot and they may be leaning towards drafting Nathan MacKinnon. The 17-year-old Canadian has been a force throughout his junior career and he would be a great pick for anyone in the first five slots.

Jonathan Druin and Aleksander Barkov are also rumored to be drafted in the first couple picks, making the decision at No. 1 that much more difficult. The Avalanche have plenty of options and you can be sure that Patrick Roy isn’t going to waste the pick in his first year as the team’s head coach.

This year’s draft is full of talent and most teams near the top have plenty of options. The NHL Draft is one that usually brings in a stud or two within the first few picks that can make a major impact on a team early in their careers.

The Avalanche hope to find their next big star and MacKinnon could be that guy in the NHL.

“As far as MacKinnon, I could tell you he’s a heck of a player. Jones is a heck of a player,” Patrick Roy said, according to The Associated Press. ”It’s the same thing with Drouin. They’re all premier players in the future for the NHL.”

Roy’s comments may suggest that the first pick is wide open, but MacKinnon has been considered the best forward in this year’s draft which is exactly what the Avalanche are looking for.

The next best thing is Seth Jones, but he’s a defensive prospect and Colorado is in need of more attacking pieces.

Do you believe the Colorado Avalanche will pick Nathan MacKinnon with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft?

[Image via Jessica C]