Canada’s Sidney Crosby (arm) to play in 4 Nations Face-Off opener

Field Level Media|published: Mon 10th February, 20:42 2025

Feb 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Penguins star and Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby assuaged concerns that he would miss the beginning of the new 4 Nations Face-Off, saying he will play Wednesday against Sweden.

Crosby hurt his left arm last week and sat out Pittsburgh's final two games before the NHL's break for the four-team international tournament. After skating with the Canadian team for the first time Monday in Montreal, he confirmed he will be good to go.

"It's been busy," Crosby told reporters. "Just trying to see where I was at and get treatment and talk to everybody. It was a busy week but I'm happy to be here and excited to get going."

Crosby skated on Canada's top forward line with Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon and Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights. He also practiced on a power-play unit that featured Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid.

This tournament will mark the first time McDavid and Crosby have teamed up for their country, since the NHL did not allow its players to participate in the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.

Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland will play a round robin Feb. 12-17 before the championship game Feb. 20 in Boston.

--Field Level Media