Four Colorado Avalanche players are on ESPN's NHL Rank: Top-100 player predictions for 2023-24 season [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38672360/nhl-rank-2023-2024-top-100-players-rankings-predictions]. The list was derived from a panel of more than 50 broadcasters, analysts, reporters and editors. Most know the top three, but who is the fourth? Here's a hint — the 29-year-old just signed a new seven-year deal with the Avs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/avalanche-sign-devon-toews-to-7-year-extension] last week. Devon Toews is sitting in the No. 75 spot on the esteemed list, quite a bit from his defensive partner, Cale Makar. Makar is in the No. 2 spot while Nathan MacKinnon is right behind him in the No. 3 slot. > Makar can use his intelligence, speed and stick to either escape situations or > to find ways to make opponents uncomfortable on either end of the ice. While > his offensive exploits are what attracts the most attention, there's more to > Makar than just points. Last season, Makar became a more complete defenseman, > playing on both special teams and leading the NHL in average ice time. — > ESPN's Ryan S. Clark - Mikko Rantanen is No. 7, which is quite the advancement from the previous season at the No. 24 rank. > The discussion around Denver the past few years regarding Rantanen was that > his shot was just as treacherous as his ability to create. It was just a > matter of when he would be able to showcase both. He did in 2022-23, and the > result was a 55-goal, 50-assist season, a feat he'll push for again as the Avs > have their eyes on another title. — Clark - MacKinnon needs no explanation in the talent department. Just watch him play — he's fast, smart and dedicated. Case in point — optional skate after a 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/alexandar-georgiev-earns-shutout-in-4-0-win-over-blackhawks] on Thursday night (which was a late one with an 8:30 p.m. start) and MacKinnon was on the ice before noon shooting pucks with his teammate and friend, Jonathan Drouin. Nathan MacKinnon said he felt good so he participated in the optional practice on Oct. 20, 2023 after the 4-0 win against the Chicago Blackhawks the night before "I don't know, what else am I gonna do?" MacKinnon said with a smile when asked about why he participated in the optional practice. "I enjoy it, just trying to get better ... I feel good and it's easy just shooting pucks ... my heart rate is barely up." The four Avs named in the list are an intricate part of the leadership core that drives the team to succeed. They do so by leading by example, as MacKinnon repeatedly says he does — and this is evidence that he stands by his word.
