Nathan MacKinnon is, not surprisingly, one of the most popular targets for interviews among journalists covering the 2025 IIHF World Championship Group B in Stockholm. The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey spoke to him before Canada’s first game of the tournament, with the memories of the Game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars and Mikko Rantanen’s amazing performance still fresh in his and everybody’s minds.

But MacKinnon has also spoken on other topics this week. Dominik Dubovči of Hokej.cz recounted some of them, including answers to questions about Sidney Crosby and longtime Colorado Avalanche teammate Gabriel Landeskog.  

“I didn’t want the season to end yet,” MacKinnon answered when asked why he decided to play in the Worlds for the first time since 2017. “Of course, it was a very tough loss against Dallas. You want to keep winning, to have the Stanley Cup as your goal every year, it’s tough. But now, when I see our Canadian team, I have a new challenge ahead of me. I already experienced the feeling of representing Canada at the 4 Nations – it’s a great opportunity. It’s also always a great experience when you can play with a guy like Sidney Crosby.”

MacKinnon and Crosby have never been teammates in the NHL but have played together on Team Canada a few times, including the 2015 World Championship and, as MacKinnon mentioned, the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“Honestly, he’s just one of us,” MacKinnon said of the Canadian captain. “He’s definitely one of the best leaders of all time. He’s won everything, he was an incredible captain at the 4 Nations. He doesn’t say much, but it’s enough – everyone follows him.”

Martin Nečas Says Yes; Czechs Take 25 To Denmark The Czech roster for the upcoming IIHF World Championship is starting to come together. A week ago, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/pastrnak-will-play-for-czechs-in-worlds-but-not-this-weekend-in-euro-hockey-tour">David Pastrňák confirmed he would play</a> and on Tuesday, <a href="https://t.co/yk2GV1OAWa">at the team’s end-of-season press conference</a>, Colorado Avalanche GM Chris McFarlane confirmed that Martin Nečas would be going as well.

In MacKinnon’s last World Championship, in 2017, his Colorado teammate Gabriel Landeskog played for Sweden. The Swedish media naturally asked him about the possibility of facing him again internationally.

“Of course, it would have been great if he’d come to the World Championship, but he also deserves a break; he has two children,” he said. “His story is so amazing. He was out for practically three years due to injuries. I can’t believe how well he played in Colorado. It was like he never stopped. It’ll be nice to start with him again in the fall. I read somewhere that the last time any players went so long between two NHL games were the guys who went to World War II, so it’s an incredible story.”

On the subject of the Winter Olympics next year, MacKinnon said, “I’m not thinking about it yet. I’m trying to perform as well as possible at the World Championship, trying to win a gold medal.

“But I would definitely like to enjoy that feeling again next February.”

Canada Ready To Start Worlds With All-NHL Lineup Canada is set to begin the IIHF World Championship on Saturday against Slovenia with an all-NHL lineup.