Russell’s Roundup: Crosby, Canada Win; Dobson Changes Agency

The 4 Nation Face-Off began last night, with Sidney Crosby and Canada the big winners. Canada beat Sweden 4-3 in overtime, and the game compelled everyone from the beginning. Just 56 seconds in, Canada scored a goal that reads as follows: Nathan MacKinnon from Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

Golly. If you saw that first goal, it’s just prime Crosby on a night that reminded everyone just how special #87 is when he’s in an elite situation. A no-look, backhand pass right onto the tape of MacKinnon for a 1-0 lead. Montreal exploded for Crosby’s first of three primary assists on the night, including on Mitch Marner’s OT winner. While the tournament may not have been seen as widely popular, that game last night was fantastic. Next up? USA and Finland tonight.

Back in the NHL, reality set in. The darkest cloud from last night is a major injury to Shea Theodore, who Canada already ruled out for the tournament. Elsewhere, Noah Dobson rocked the Islanders’ orbit by changing agents while chatter around Brock Nelson continued.

New York Islanders:

The day’s big story came when Noah Dobson changed agency from Andrew Maloney to Olivier Fortier of the juggernaut Wasserman group. This telegraphs that Dobson means business and wants something in his situation to change.

Elsewhere, I listed three reasons for positivity despite the first 55 games of inconsistency. Here’s one for free: They’re sixth in the NHL since January 1, 2025. Here’s all three.

Finally, the chatter around Brock Nelson builds and builds. I hope he can enjoy the rest of the 4 Nations because once he’s back on Long Island, there’s a storm brewing. With regard to contract negotiation, I looked at three extension ideas.

NHL Trade Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now:

NHL.com: Last night in Montreal, Sidney Crosby stole the show. Here’s the full breakdown on the first game of 4 Nations and a truly thrilling night in Canada.

NHL.Com: More best-on-best news came when Gary Bettman and Marty Walsh announced the World Cup of Hockey’s return, only there won’t be any silly gimmick teams this time. The first tournament will be in 2028. 

Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights turned out to be the biggest losers. They lost star defenseman Shea Theodore to an alleged broken wrist, and he’s out for the tournament. It’s the dark side of the tournament the NHL hopes doesn’t become a story, like in 2014 when John Tavares tore his MCL. Hannah Kirkell’s got the scoop on the injury,

Philly Hockey Now: In late January, the Islanders saw the Philadelphia Flyers three times in two weeks. They saw firsthand how the Flyers went from exciting and energetic to pathetic and dead on arrival, from a 5-3 Flyers win in UBS Arena to a 3-0 Islanders shutout in Philadelphia. Here are three reasons to stay tuned in Philly.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jesse Puljujarvi left the Pittsburgh Penguins last week, clearing through waivers and eventually landed with the AHL Charlotte Checkers. In an interview for a Finnish outlet, Puljujarvi let it rip on his time with the Penguins.