DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon stood within shouting distance of a rare gray wolf in Wyoming last week. The Avalanche's star center, the once and future hope for a rebuilding franchise, was never more anonymous in the face of nature.
By the end of the week, MacKinnon was named an NHL all-star for the second time in his still-budding career. The 22-year-old, now nearly a veteran five years into his career, tore through the league in the first half of this season, with the second-most points per game in the league through 41 games.
But his career continues in relative obscurity in Colorado, with the Avs having qualified for the playoffs just once in the past seven seasons.