Avalanche's MacKinnon scoffs at reported trade offers for Lightning's Drouin

If anyone knows what Jonathan Drouin is capable of, it's Nathan MacKinnon.

The pair of 20-year-old forwards spent two years together as members of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, lighting the league on fire during the 2012-13 season leading up to the NHL draft, where MacKinnon was selected first and Drouin went third.

While MacKinnon is a key member of the Colorado Avalanche's core, Drouin is involved in a sticky situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, having made a trade request back in November.

From MacKinnon's point of view, Drouin's worth is almost immeasurable.

"He's one of the most skilled players in the league right now - he's unbelievable," MacKinnon said Tuesday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "It's just funny, you see what people think is too much for him (in a trade), it's just ridiculous. Some of the offers, you hear, 'Oh it's too much for him.'"

MacKinnon continued, "With Jo, he's always been a slow starter in Halifax. It's not easy. He's only 20. He's done some pretty good things, he's been to a Cup Final. He's played well. Obviously the numbers haven't been there for him, but you guys watch him all the time, I'm sure there's been a games where you're like 'Wow.' He can take over a game like that."

Despite the trade request, general manager Steve Yzerman appears to be holding out for the best possible offer. In the meantime, MacKinnon believes there's a chance for reconciliation.

"I hope they salvage it," he said. "I know (Drouin) really loves Tampa and wanted to be there for a long time. We'll see.

"They'll definitely miss him for sure."

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