The 4 Nations Face-Off is coming this week, and the fans are excited. However, many star players are either committed to their franchise or injured, for which they may not have a chance to skate on the rink of this international tournament. And among the injured was Sidney Crosby, who sustained an upper-body injury after the Pittsburgh Penguins’ match against the New Jersey Devils.

While #87 was on the ice for some practice sessions, ultimately he didn’t play in the recent games for the Penguins. However, the main concerns were around his future with Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off. But with a recent update, the fans who were curious about his status might relax.

Indeed, Sidney Crosby has made it back to the rink, as reported by Spittin’ Chiclets on X. The social media video was the proof that the Penguins captain, who recently missed their NHL games, is back on the ice for the practice with Team Canada. Crosby proudly represents his country by donning the red sweater with the maple leaf on it.

The video shows the team captain walking out of the door while holding two hockey sticks. However, after giving back one of the two sticks, he positions himself on the rink and skates away. This might be solid proof that Crosby is out of the injury concerns, and if he can properly skate on the ice, then he might play for Team Canada in a few days.

Well, they were certainly optimistic about Sidney Crosby’s return to the ice, and it eventually happened. How so? When the injury rumors were piling up a few days before, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared a piece of information on this situation, stating, “Team Canada is cautiously optimistic, I would say, that the captain will be in the lineup six days from now when the puck drops on the four nations between Team Canada and Sweden in Montreal.”

With Canada facing Sweden in their first game, the fans would want to see Crosby on the ice, but the injury concerns weren’t going away. Why so? Seravalli further added, stating, “The belief is that this is a left wrist injury and a bit of a mixed bag for Crosby on Thursday, as he did skate but did not do much shooting as he was on his own on a separate ice sheet from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was receiving passes and seemed to be skating just fine, but after getting crunched, it’s important to keep in mind that left wrist. In September 2021, he had surgery and had some plates inserted.”

For any fan rooting for Team Canada, surely the way the Penguins captain got involved in this injury was concerning. However, with him showing up in the team’s practice today, the audience can catch a break from the speculations. Sidney Crosby has great stats in the NHL season, with 55 games played for the Penguins; he had 17 goals, 41 assists, and 58 points. Indeed, they were scared of losing him, but it could’ve increased the responsibility of one certain player.

Sidney Crosby’s possible replacement on the team

As a player, no one can replace Crosby in the role of captain of Team Canada. However, circumstances like injury always loom in the ice hockey scene, but the squad did have somebody if something had gone south for the team. Can you guess his name? It is Connor McDavid. Indeed, the Edmonton Oilers captain is currently also the alternate captain for Team Canada, alongside Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar.

However, comparing both of their careers, McDavid would’ve been chosen as the captain of the 4 Nations Face-Off squad, owing to his extensive expertise in the role. Indeed, he has been serving since October 5, 2016, as the Oilers captain, back then when he made history by becoming the youngest captain in the NHL.

But now with Sidney Crosby almost back in the squad, Team Canada will be looking forward to the results. Indeed, they are one of the favorites to secure the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy, and the fans will be excited to see so many experienced players on the rink playing alongside on an international level.