The elite forward has a natural leadership quality and said communication is crucial to the chemistry of the team.

Nathan MacKinnon's intensity is just part of who he is — and he is a natural leader. He leads by example on and off the ice — as he has said, his coach has said and his teammates have said.

"It's natural. If anything, I try to hold some (intensity) back," the 28-year-old elite forward said after practice on Wednesday. "I just try to be me. Just try to be a good guy, lead by example, never ask anybody to do anything that I wouldn't do. That's what can help be a good leader." 

Head coach Jared Bednar has praised MacKinnon's leadership qualities when discussing his role while captain Gabriel Landeskog is out this season.

"I believe in Nate as a leader. You get around him, he's going to drive the best out of you," Bednar said at Media Day on Sept. 20. "And as long as you're willing to do your part, he's gonna help you along the way."

Another member of the leadership core, Mikko Rantanen said he likes to talk mostly about the plays while MacKinnon and Andrew Cogliano are more motivational in their approach. 

Communication important for chemistry

Crucial to that leadership position and developing chemistry is communication. That's important on and off the ice. 

"Talking, communicating — things aren't working, just talk about it and try to figure out why," MacKinnon said. "I think so far everyone's been really, really good with that communication. It doesn't feel like we have to work on a ton of chemistry which is pretty cool. Guys are really smart out there, it's been pretty good so far." 

How MacKinnon leads by example

MacKinnon exemplified his natural ability to lead when he was a teenager. His junior hockey and now Avs teammate, Jonathan Drouin, said MacKinnon would push 19 and 20-year-olds when he was 16. And he continues to motivate his Avalanche teammates by pushing them to be their best.

He practiced with the second squad on the final day of training camp after returning from a quick trip to Halifax for his junior hockey number retirement ceremony. 

"He has that type of mindset that 'Hey if I'm here,' and his plane arrives on time and our team's on the ice, then number one, he wants to be part of it, and number two, he wants to show the rest of the group — sometimes you got to play banged up, sometimes you got to play hurt, you got to play tired, you got to practice when you don't feel like practicing, or you had a long day. I think that's just him quietly, without saying anything showing the rest of our group like 'hey, I'm coming back off a flight and can jump on the ice' and hold other guys accountable, it's just good leadership."

Avs head coach Jared Bednar said about MacKinnon's leadership ability and work ethic

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There's a standard within the team to work hard and MacKinnon said there isn't a problem with any of the players in that regard.