Oilers superstar McDavid eager to play alongside ageless Crosby at 4 Nations tourney

Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain, has long awaited the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. As the headline player for Canada’s roster at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, McDavid has been vocal about his desire to compete against the best players in the world while wearing the red Maple Leaf jersey.

For McDavid, playing alongside his childhood idol, Sidney Crosby, is a dream come true. Despite being 10 years younger than Crosby, McDavid has immense respect for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ veteran and marvels at his continued success in the NHL.

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, scheduled for February 12 to 20, will feature teams from the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. While not as prestigious as the Olympics or World Cup, the tournament serves as a teaser for what’s to come in the future.

McDavid missed the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2018 Olympics and 2022 Games due to various reasons. However, with the NHL and NHL Players’ Association aiming for a return to international competitions in 2026 and 2030, McDavid is eager to make up for lost time.

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament will be a precursor to the 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. McDavid sees this as an opportunity to challenge himself against top competition and grow the game of hockey on a global scale.

As Canada finalizes its roster for the tournament, McDavid acknowledges the depth of talent in the country and believes that even a “Canada B” or “Canada C” team could compete at a high level. He hopes to inspire the next generation of Canadian hockey stars, just as Crosby inspired him in his youth.

With the tournament just around the corner, McDavid is excited to represent his country and do his best to make Canada proud. As fans across the country eagerly anticipate the competition, McDavid remains focused on the task at hand and looks forward to the challenge ahead.