Nathan MacKinnon by no means thought he’d win the Hart Trophy. I’m undecided why. Has he not seen himself play hockey?
On Thursday evening, MacKinnon turned the second Avalanche participant to win each the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in the identical season, matching what Joe Sakic did again in 2001. Everyone knows that MacKinnon would commerce each of those awards for a Stanley Cup, however profitable them did appear to imply loads to him.
After his huge evening, he met with media to debate all the things…and I imply all the things. The awards have been mentioned, in addition to what he discovered from his time round Andrew Cogliano, and what it meant to play with Jonathan Drouin final season.
Right here’s the total video, in addition to a number of excerpts from it. The complete video is over 12 minute lengthy, which is a very very long time for the Avalanche celebrity. Give it a watch, however right here’s a number of of the fascinating issues he needed to say…
MacKinnon on having each these trophies:
“It’s actually cool. I actually by no means thought I’d win these, so very particular. Like I stated in my speech, each participant I grew up idolizing has their title on these items, so to be part of that firm is surreal. It hasn’t actually sunk in. It’s positively a particular factor. All of the boys helped me loads, and positively so many individuals to thank.”
On who he has heard from thus far:
“Bought a name from Sid and Wayne (Gretzky) known as me, in order that’s all the time fairly cool to see Wayne Gretzky pop up in your cellphone. Seeing his title like 100 occasions on this factor too. It’s cool to have all of the assist I do. Couldn’t do that alone.”
MacKinnon on Mikko Rantanen serving to him:
“Yearly, Mikko has all the time been there for me. He’s the proper linemate, I feel, for each other. We assist one another out, and similar factor with a variety of guys, whether or not it’s Cogliano, or Tyson Barrie, or Jamie McGinn, and all these totally different gamers over these 11 years which have helped me. It didn’t simply occur this 12 months.”
MacKinnon on his depth and the way Bednar stated he’s prepared to name out teammates and coaches to make everybody higher:
“Did he say that? I don’t know what he’s speaking about! No, I all the time like enjoying with guys who’re fiery and it’s important to attempt to tame them a bit of bit. I’m positively taming myself on a regular basis, making an attempt to tame myself. I simply get so invested in it. I really like the day-to-day grind of the NHL, and I feel that’s why I’m sitting right here proper now. I do like to work and I really like the method of issues.”
MacKinnon on attending to play with Jonathan Drouin:
“It was particular. Undoubtedly my favourite teammate I’ve ever had. I feel we actually perceive one another. We met once we have been 12, 13 and shared a variety of nice moments in Halifax. Simply actually perceive one another and we get the perfect out of one another.”
On Andrew Cogliano, who he congratulated in his speech:
“One other man, we’re loads alike! He all the time says we have now totally different skillsets, however similar mentality. He’s all the time on the market engaged on his sport. Nonetheless pissed at him for retiring however I’m joyful he’s with the workforce now. He’s going to assist us win in different methods. Nice man, one in all my favourite teammates ever, so I simply wished to acknowledge his retirement.”
On who he voted for the Ted Lindsay award…
“Uh, Cale…however I put thought into it.”