MacKinnon ‘loving every second’ in NHL

No. 1 pick shines despite early injury

Toronto • Teenager Nathan MacKinnon is clearly enjoying his NHL rookie season ride.

The 18-year-old centre from Cole Harbour, N.S., was all smiles Tuesday as the media descended on his stall in the box-sized visitors’ dressing room at Air Canada Centre.

The Colorado rookie took the time to pull on an Avalanche cap and then enthused about life in the big league.

Asked what has surprised him about the NHL, he replied: “I guess how good they treat us here.

“It’s awesome. I’m loving every second of it. The travelling with the team, the way that they treat the players is pretty special. Obviously a little different than junior but I can’t complain about that either, it’s been great.”

MacKinnon’s parents flew out for the Toronto game.

The Avs are taking care not to pile on the pressure on the top overall pick in the 2013 draft. MacKinnon, who has three assists in two games, is playing on the third line with Jamie McGinn and P.A. Parenteau.

“It’s the perfect fit for him,” said head coach Patrick Roy. “He doesn’t have to come here and be the saviour. He can come in here and be himself and play.

“He’s been outstanding in the first two games, despite the fact that he had an injury in training camp. We’re very excited and we love what we have seen so far of him.”

Away from t he r i nk, MacKinnon lives with veteran J.S. Giguère. The 36-year-old goalie is married to a Halifax native and there is a family atmosphere with six-, four-, and one-year-old sons in the house.

“It’s still early,” centre Matt Duchene said of MacKinnon. “He’s still making the transition. It takes a while. It takes a couple of years, I think. But he’s had a good start. We’re all pulling for him, for sure.”

After the victory over Toronto, the Avalanche are 3-0 to begin a season for the first time since 2009-10 and only the third time since 1995.