Nathan MacKinnon joins Canada for world championships

Like Sidney Crosby in 2006, Nathan MacKinnon will get a taste of Team Canada at the world championships at the age of 18.

MacKinnon was one of three players added to Canada's worlds roster Sunday, along with Brayden Schenn and Matt Read of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Colorado Avalanche rookie and 2013 No. 1 pick had two goals and eight assists in his first career Stanley Cup playoff series.

Crosby starred at his first world championships, putting up eight goals and eight assists in nine games in Latvia in 2006.

David Perron of the Edmonton Oilers pulled out of the tournament with a hip injury.

Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice is with the team in Zurich for training camp and Canada's upcoming exhibition game. He's the third ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting's list for next month's draft.

MacKinnon is set to arrive in Zurich on Monday with defenceman Erik Gudbranson. Schenn and Read are scheduled to be there Tuesday.

Canada will travel to Minsk, Belarus, after playing one exhibition game. The IIHF world championship begins Friday, as Canada opens at Chizhovka Arena against France.