While many have downplayed the idea of a trade involving Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, the truth is that the franchise could do well kick-starting a full rebuild by moving its star players.

Nathan MacKinnon’s childhood idol and role model has turned into a training partner and an offseason neighbor back home in the Halifax area of their native Nova Scotia. One of his closest friends, too.

MacKinnon, along with Cale Makar and Devon Toews, had the opportunity to play for Canada in a best-on-best men’s tournament for the first time at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. He had the chance to play with his childhood idol-turned-friend Sidney Crosby in games that matter for the first time. He also didn’t let down 8-year-old Nathan MacKinnon.

With such a bold move for one of the premier players available ahead of Friday's trade deadline, the Avs will strengthen their Stanley Cup aspirations surrounding star forward Nathan MacKinnon with even more firepower.

Colorado Avalanche captain Nathan MacKinnon didn’t have much to say when asked about the possibility of facing his longtime former teammate Mikko Rantanen in the Western Conference playoffs. Speaking to reporters after Friday's practice and following the Rantanen trade to the Dallas Stars,

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues to prove why he’s among the best in the world. Through 61 games this season, he has 23 goals and 68 assists, totaling 91 points—putting him on pace for the second-highest point total of his career.