All Eyes On Nathan MacKinnon As Avs Open Rookie Training Camp

DENVER (CBS4) - The Colorado Avalanche opened rookie training camp Sunday morning.

The rookies always get a couple extra days before the veterans show up and this year all eyes will be on No. 29, overall first pick in the draft, Nathan MacKinnon.

So much will be expected out of MacKinnon. He just celebrated his 18th birthday a week ago. There's no doubt he's going to play right away. He'll be the center on the third line and he hopes to make a big impact.

"Obviously I want to be the best player I can possibly be, but like I said after the draft, I'm here to help," MacKinnon said. "I'm not here to carry the team or anything like that. We have lots of great players and a very team team."

The Avs open up the season at home against the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 2.