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Instead, they have one playoff series win between them, and because the NHL turned its back on the Winter Olympics in 2018 and recently announced there will be no World Cup in 2020, these two havent had chances to show their talents in these major showcase events. The trading of unhappy Matt Duchene last season, which landed Ottawas first pick, seemed to restore confidence in Sakic, and the Avs went on to make the playoffs before losing in the first round. The issue of the payroll, $11 million below the max, always resurfaces when the Avs struggle, and a quick look at the roster certainly shows an absence of accomplished veteran players. Perhaps MacKinnon can look at Sakics own playing career, which didnt really take off until the Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver in his eighth season in the NHL, for encouragement.