Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Team Sweden defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) plays the puck against Team Canada in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/91e1d630-9db2-4e4c-9950-602c7dae411b.jpeg] Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Team Sweden defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) plays the puck against Team Canada in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images In less than a month, select NHL players who are not participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs will have a chance to play for something. During a 16-day span from May 9-25, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will hold the World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden and Herning, Denmark. And after missing the NHL playoffs for the third consecutive season, there are several Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] players who could be representing their respective countries in the tournament. Here is what each prospective Penguins player had to say: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forward Sidney Crosby (Team Canada): "As far as Worlds, I told [Team Canada and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas] I'll just take some time here and see how I feel. It's almost better when you keep going, you know? As far as 4 Nations, we didn't really have a break. We jumped right back into it, and I was able to just keep playing. And, sometimes, when you finally stop, that's when you realize how you really feel. So, I'll take some time here and see, but I told Kyle that I'll try to let him know as soon as possible." Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f9ec3f3e-d4ad-47b2-b1ad-75fa0a2493f9.jpeg] Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (Team USA): "I haven't heard. It's something I'd be definitely open for. To play on that stage would be amazing." Defenseman Erik Karlsson (Team Sweden): “Yeah, it is [an option]. It's, obviously, in Sweden. I think I'm going to need to take a few days, and like I said, I was having some issues with my body earlier in the season that I was able to play through and suit up for all 82 games this year, which I'm very proud of and happy about. But, I have to reassess here now for a few days and see what the best course of action is for me personally and what I need to be able to do to get back to the level that I want to get back to for next season. And if that includes the Worlds, then I'd be the happiest guy about it. And if not, that's what I have to do.” 'I Have No Doubt This Thing's Going To Be Turned Around Quickly': After Lost Season, Penguins Optimistic About Future [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d28ac28d-b54e-49e1-8da8-1d389e571cb3.jpeg] 'I Have No Doubt This Thing's Going To Be Turned Around Quickly': After Lost Season, Penguins Optimistic About Future For one final time this season, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> gathered at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. - this, time, for locker cleanout day. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/i-have-no-doubt-this-things-going-to-be-turned-around-quickly-after-lost-season-penguins-optimistic-about-future] Forward Bryan Rust (Team USA): “I will not be going. I'm having a baby on May 2. So, those are the priorities.” Forward Rickard Rakell (Team Sweden): “I feel really good right now, but we're expecting a baby here pretty soon, so I think it's going to be difficult for me to get over there in time.” Goaltender Tristan Jarry (Team Canada): “I'm not sure. I have to be asked first.” Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (Team USA): “Yeah, I haven't been contacted or anything like that. It's always a privilege to represent your country at any level, so we'll see. The phone is open, but I haven't heard anything.” 'He's Grown A Ton': Ponomarev Looks To Build On Learning Experience With Penguins [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1a233138-de48-413e-9ea0-e5fd11ac1c06.jpeg] 'He's Grown A Ton': Ponomarev Looks To Build On Learning Experience With Penguins It has been a whirlwind year for <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' prospect Vasily Ponomarev. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/hes-grown-a-ton-ponomarev-looks-to-build-on-learning-experience-with-penguins] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
