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.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman slammed the gavel on live television regarding the notion of the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Sidney Crosby to the Colorado Avalanche. Crosby signed a two-year extension with Pittsburgh ahead of this season,

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 outdueled his good buddy Sidney Crosby as the Colorado Avalanche beat the struggling Penguins, 4-1, Tuesday at Ball Arena.

DENVER — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was encouraged by much of the Pittsburgh Penguins game Tuesday. So, too, was coach Mike Sullivan who had little to criticize as his team outplayed Stanley Cup contender Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.

United States goalie Connor Hellebuyck, left, gives up a goal to Canada's Nathan MacKinnon, as Canada's Sidney Crosby (87) looks on, during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off

Everything points to the Penguins and the Avalanche coming together for a Sidney Crosby deal at the NHL trade deadline or in the offseason.

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.

Sidney Crosby has always been careful when talking about the NHL’s top players. Before facing the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, he was asked about Nathan MacKinnon’s view on Connor McDavid.