'He drives everybody up': Drouin highlights MacKinnon's leadership

Jonathan Drouin is excited to play with Nathan MacKinnon again and said he's been an influence on his teammates since they played together over a decade ago.

Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin are excited to be reunited and their chemistry has shown just that in their short time on the ice thus far.

Head coach Jared Bednar spoke highly of Drouin ahead of training camp at Media Day on Sept. 20. 

"I like the tools he brings to our team. His ability to distribute the puck, great offense, they're exceptional and hopefully we can get him back to the path that he maybe first seen for himself coming out of junior and turning pro," Bednar said. "So we'll be patient with him but we're also going to push him a little bit here and hopefully he can be a big contributor to our team. That's why we took a chance on him because we believe he can." 

The duo was impressive together on the ice over a decade ago in the Quebec Minor Junior Hockey League, when they won a Memorial Cup in 2013. 

"I think he'll be very versatile, such a talented player, works really hard, and it's been fun being back on the ice together," MacKinnon said on Media Day. 

The two worked together after informal skates before training camp opened, but only had one session on a line before MacKinnon left to attend the retirement of his number by the QMJHL team they played for — the Halifax Mooseheads. 

As one of the core team leaders, MacKinnon has said he leads by example. Bednar praised his elite center's influence on the team and what an effect he has on his teammates.

"I believe in Nate as a leader, so you get around him — he's going to drive the best out of you. And as long as you're willing to do your part, he's gonna help you along the way," Bednar said. 

Drouin said even when they were teenagers playing in the QMJHL that MacKinnon would push his teammates to be their best. 

You can watch what he said about MacKinnon in the video above.