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.

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.

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,