JCVH60: Day Three - Nate's Night

Saturday 18 May 2013

Day Three - Nate's Night

Nathan McKinnon goes around Seth Jones to score vs. Portland

Nathan McKinnon is a very special hockey player. That was the big message from day three. Who is he? Is he a right handed shooting Matt Duchene? Is he Steven Stamkos?

As with all special players, he is the first coming of Nathan McKinnon, of Cole Harbour Nova Scotia.

Seth Jones, currently ranked #1 by NHL Central Scouting

McKinnon put on a performance reserved for special talents at the MasterCard Memorial Cup on Saturday. He scored three goals and added one assist to help the Halifax Mooseheads beat the Portland Winterhawks 7-4 in game one for both teams.

One of his goals featured a speedy move around the number one ranked prospect Seth Jones. Can he pass Jones on the Colorado Avalanche draft list? McKinnon said after the game, he doesn't think so.
Jones scored a beautiful goal as well. The Hawks didn't have there best game but few will fault Jones who remains an elite prospect.
But... How good does Jones have to be, to pass on Nathan McKinnon? That's a tough call for the Avalanche.
Jones will be very good. All-star good. But I think McKinnon has the potential to be a big point producer in the NHL - and a great leader as well. McKinnons' ability to produce offense in the NHL because of quick feet and an explosive first 3 steps. In the close quarters of NHL play quick AND fast aren't the same thing. McKinnon is one of those rare players to be both. He is also ultra competitive and shows good defensive awareness.