Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon wrapped up a highly successful 4 Nations Face-Off with a win over Team USA in the final. MacKinnon opened the scoring in the first period, notching his fourth of the tourney.
With the goal, MacKinnon ended the 4 Nations as the leading goal-scorer. That feat allowed him to earn the tournament MVP. While Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid got the game-winner and the game’s first star, it was MacKinnon who excelled in the tournament.
MacKinnon played most of the night with Team Canada's Sidney Crosby and Sam Reinhart. However, coach John Cooper loaded up the top line at various points in the game, especially in the third period, deploying MacKinnon and McDavid together and then individually.
All told, MacKinnon played 20:31 on the night, getting five shots on goal and winning 6 of 12 draws on the night. He was all over the ice, showing just how much his speed and agility were valuable to Team Canada.
The MVP honors are now part of an extensive list of accolades that go with the bragging rights that come with winning the first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off. While MacKinnon’s attention will now turn to the remainder of the NHL season, expectation grows MacKinnon will hopefully be on the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
MacKinnon locks his spot on Team Canada’s 2026 roster
With NHLers set to return to the Olympics in 2026 at the Milano Cortina Games, the focus will be on who makes the cut on Team Canada’s roster.
The 4 Nations roster featured a combination of veteran players such as the 37-year-old Crosby and 36-year-old Brad Marchand. Additionally, veterans like Drew Doughty were added as the Canadian squad looked to round out its roster.
Moving forward, it seems younger players could take center stage on Team Canada’s roster like Thomas Harley, who filled in for Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey. But one thing is certain: Barring any unforeseen injuries, Nathan MacKinnon will be a lock on Team Canada’s roster for next year’s Olympics.
MacKinnon, McDavid, and Marner look like sure things for Canada’s forward group. Meanwhile, Harley, Makar, and Devon Toews look set on the blue line. Beyond them, there could be several open spots in Team Canada’s lineup.
Given this year’s success at the 4 Nations, Jon Cooper should continue at the helm for Team Canada. That situation means Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, and Brayden Point should also be on the roster.
Ultimately, as long as Team Canada has MacKinnon on the roster, the squad will have one of the best players in the world leading the offense. It will be hard to wait one year to see MacKinnon back on the ice in international best-on-best action.