After missing Pittsburgh's final two games before the NHL break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Sidney Crosby took part in Canada's first practice Monday and declared himself good to go. When it comes to a rare chance to play in an international tournament with the best players in the world,

McDavid did play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, but on an under-23 North American squad rather than for Team Canada. He captained a high-flying collection of the game’s preeminent talents like Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and the late Johnny Gaudreau.

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.

“Sidney Crosby is traveling to Montreal and hopes to play for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off…” Kaplan reported. “Crosby…is desperate to play in the tournament, sources told ESPN. The Penguins will leave the decision up to Crosby whether or not he participates, and he will take as much time as he can to decide if he's ready, sources told ESPN.”

TSN’s Darren Dreger first reported Crosby’s travel plans, while ESPN later confirmed that the Penguins captain is “desperate to play” in the tournament despite an upper-body injury that has sidelined him for Pittsburgh’s last two NHL games before the break.

Team Canada held its first practice in Montreal, giving us our first look at how they will line up at the Four Nations Face-Off. This is what they rolled with on their first day: Sam Reinhart - Connor McDavid - Mitch Marner Mark Stone - Sidney Crosby - Nathan MacKinnon Brad Marchand - Brayden Point - Seth Jarvis Brandon Hagel - Anthony Cirelli - Sam Bennett Travis Konecny (sick) Devon Toews - Cale Makar Josh Morrissey - Colton Parayko Shea Theodore - Drew Doughty Travis Sanheim To no one's surprise,