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.

The 4 Nations Face-Off captivated not only the hockey world, but the entirety of the sports universe. As everyone watched Team Canada come out on top, three Avalanche players- Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews- helped the hockey dynasty defend its spot at the top of international competition.

Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon played a key role in helping Team Canada win gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament by defeating the United States 3-2. On Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 at Ball Arena. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring for the Avs after giving them a 1-0 lead 6:36 into the second period.

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.