MacKinnon eager to suit up alongside childhood idol Crosby at 4 Nations Face-Off

Nathan MacKinnon had lots to contemplate this summer.

The Colorado Avalanche were ousted in the second round of the playoffs, a result that continues to eat at the reigning Hart Trophy winner.

MacKinnon was also, of course, focused on the upcoming season as his group again looks to ascend hockey's mountain and grab hold of the Stanley Cup.

Another big thought occupying the star centre's mind was the chance to finally live out a childhood dream at February's NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

MacKinnon was one of six Canadian players named in June to the country's initial roster for the league's first foray into international hockey since the 2016 World Cup.

The 29-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., is now poised to play alongside Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, who grew up in the same community, for just the second time, and the first on one of the sport's bigger stages.

"I'm thinking about it a lot," MacKinnon said of the 4 Nations at last month's NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas. "I'm sure during the season I won't as much just because you're so consumed with your own team, but it's a lot of fun thinking about playing with all the best players from your own country."

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Colorado defenceman Cale Makar, Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand — another Nova Scotia product — and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point were the other players initially handed the red Maple Leaf sweater.

MacKinnon and Crosby have become close off the ice and discussed potential line combinations on the golf course this off-season for the event that includes the United States, Sweden and Finland.

"I idolized Sid growing up," said MacKinnon, who also suited up with the 37-year-old Crosby at the