How Many 2013 Draft Picks Will Play In The NHL Next Season?

1. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Nathan MacKinnon is congratulated by Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy after being introduced as the number one overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

MacKinnon was prepared to go first overall, and after a season-long battle with Jones, ended up getting the spot.  Only 1 first overall pick since Ottawa drafted Chris Phillips in 1996 has the first overall pick not played in the NHL the next season.  That was Erik Johnson of the Blues. Alex Ovechkin also didn’t play the season after he was drafted, but there was no season to play, because of the lockout.

That trend should not change this year and MacKinnon should be a regular for the Avalanche.