Nathan MacKinnon had his roots in mind heading into the 2020 NHL Draft.
Okay, so Colorado definitely could have used another defenceman anyway, but apparently there was one in particular who Nate Dog was vouching pretty hard for heading into the draft, and it may have had a little something to do with where the Avs superstar was born.
AND played junior hockey.
According to the team, MacKinnon continuously called Joe Sakic to make sure he selected Halifax native (and Mooseheads) defenceman Justin Barron. Let’s remember that Nate is from Halifax as well and led the Mooseheads to a Memorial Cup before entering the league. Apparently the two have already skated together so at least he knew what the prospect was all about before..?
Skip to 3:45:
That’s what makes Joe Sakic such a beauty. Guy listens to his best players, a true gem!
At one time a potential top-ten pick, Barron gradually slipped after he was diagnosed with a blood clot. The 18-year-old played three seasons for the Mooseheads and should fit in like a glove with you defencemen Cale Makar, Samuel Girard, Ryan Graves and Devon Toews. Already being on Nate Dog’s good side should help Barron eventually enter the lineup with ease.
Sakic has done a pretty darn good job over in Denver, so we’re definitely not questioning the pick. It’s nice to see arguably the NHL’s best player is at least on board with the selection!
(H/T Colorado Avalanche)
