"These guys are awful": When Nathan MacKinnon dissed AJHL players after being underwhelmed by Avalanche drafting Cale Makar with #4 in 2017 NHL draft

By R. Nikhil Parshy

Modified Dec 18, 2024 19:06 GMT

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Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have formed a formidable duo for the Colorado Avalanche over the last few years. However, the senior of the two, MacKinnon, wasn't entirely sure of what the team was getting in Makar when the organization drafted him.

In a throwback video posted on Retro Hockey's Instagram post, Nathan MacKinnon speaks about Avalanche's 2017 NHL Entry Draft pick, Cale Makar. He states that, initially, he didn't have much faith in the names that were picked up at the Draft.

He names Nico Hischier, who the New Jersey Devils picked, Nolan Patrick, picked up by the Philadelphia Flyers, and forgets Miro Heskanen before talking about Makar. The 29-year-old says he was unsure of Makar's talent, knowing he was a kid because he was selected directly from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).

"When we came last we got the fourth pick, and I was like 'Oh man, I love'—I think Hischier was in Hallifax, he went first that year. It was like Hischier, Patrick, I forget who went third and then we got Cale at fourth. And I was like, this kid from AJHL, like Albert Junior Hockey League, I'm like 'What is this? Who did we just draft?'. I mean, 'He looks okay, but these guys are awful', whatever," MacKinnon said.

Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar's partnership is crucial for Avs and Team Canada

Since the 2019-20 season (Makar's full-season debut), both MacKinnon and his junior have been an indispensable duo for the Avs. MacKinnon's skill set and prowess is balanced by Makar's offensive production in defense.

They often praise each other's game in front of the media. The latest of those instances came when both Canadians were asked about their participation in the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off. MacKinnon stated that their duo's bond will help Team Canada.

“I mean, on the ice, Cale and I definitely will have chemistry,” MacKinnon said in an interview with NHL.com, adding, “We play every game together, and we’re on the ice together for most of the game. So, that will be cool.”

Team Canada has a strong roster that includes other stars like Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, and Mitch Marner. They will start as favorites to win the first edition of the 4-NFO that replaced the All-Star game for this season.