Connor McDavid dreamt about representing Canada at international tournaments long before entering the NHL. Another item on his bucket list is set to be checked off next month — suiting up alongside Sidney Crosby.

The Buffalo Sabres are on the brink of allowing their playoff drought to continue into its 14th season, despite rebuild after rebuild. First, there was the “tank for Connor McDavid”, but they failed at that and ended up with Jack Eichel instead.

Jack Eichel sneaks in a goal in front of the net to give the Golden Knights the lead in the first period.

When Leon Draisaitl won his first Hart Trophy in 2019-20, he made his case during a stretch when teammate Connor McDavid was out with an injury. The Oilers had missed the playoffs in back-to-back years in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and found themselves back in the mix in 2019-20 after a hot start to the season.

Crosby is a two-time Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP, a two-time Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy winner as the league’s top goal-scorer, a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner as top scorer, and a two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.

The United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden will play in the Feb. 12-20 4 Nations Face-Off. Here are the rosters and captains.

The risk-reward part of it for the best NHL players is obvious. You get to represent your country, wear its sweater and compete for a title. You are also vulnerable, like with any game, to injury. But players who have committed to the 4 Nations Face-Off in February appear more than excited to compete,

The Four Nations Face-Off gives plenty of reason for NHL fans–particularly Toronto Maple Leafs fans–to be invested in the tournament. The Maple Leafs are one of just two NHL franchises that will be represented on all four squads.

The 4 Nations Face-Off is now less than two weeks away. It begins Feb. 12 at Bell Centre in Montreal. Most NHL teams have six, seven or eight games remaining before the League breaks for the first best-on-best hockey tournament since the World Cup of Hockey 2016.

The Pacific Division is fun this season. A new leader in the Pacific Division has emerged, as the Edmonton Oilers have a 32-15-3 record with 67 points.

Connor McDavid has waited a long time. The superstar centre set to headline Canada’s roster at the 4 Nations Face-Off was a vocal proponent of getting NHL players back on the international stage and under the brightest lights.

Top prospect Jack Eichel assisted on O'Regan's goal but ... Eichel ranked second overall by NHL Central Scouting, behind Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters in the OHL. Still, if Eichel goes second ...