Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, expressed his anticipation for representing Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Crosby was one of the first six players named to the Canadian roster in June and commented on how the announcement of the full team has made participation feel imminent.
“It’s come pretty quick,” Crosby said Thursday. “You know, I think that there’s probably been a lot of talk surrounding it, so it’s good to have the team made and, you know, be able to kind of focus on all the things we need to leading up to it.
“But yeah, it’s exciting to see the names on that list and to know that it’s getting closer.”
Crosby last played in the Olympics at age 27 during Sochi 2014, where he helped Canada win gold. He also played a key role in Vancouver 2010 by scoring the overtime goal in the gold-medal game against the United States.
Now at 38 years old and in his 21st NHL season, this may be Crosby’s final Olympic appearance. On June 16, he was named alongside Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Cale Makar (Avalanche), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers).
“I think they’re all important,” Crosby said. “It’s a great opportunity anytime you get to be involved in the Olympics. And with it being a while, I know that there’s a lot of guys from all the countries that are excited that haven’t been able to participate in it. So, it’s a unique experience and something everyone’s looking forward to.”
Entering Thursday’s game against Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena—home venue for Pittsburgh Penguins—Crosby leads his team with 40 points (21 goals, 19 assists) over 38 games this season.
Crosby has recorded 1,727 points (646 goals, 1,081 assists) across 1,390 NHL games—the highest total in Penguins history. He surpassed Mario Lemieux’s previous franchise record during a December shootout win against Montreal Canadiens.
“It just tells you how dedicated he is to be the best player year after year,” said defenseman Kris Letang. “He keeps improving, even if he has an older age. It just proves, like, what type of player he is and what he’s been able to accomplish in this league. What he’s accomplished in this league is just phenomenal.”
McDavid will make his Olympic debut along with MacKinnon, Makar, Point and Reinhart—all announced as part of Canada’s first six selections but who previously played together with Crosby at last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Macklin Celebrini did not play at that event but earned selection following an impressive start with San Jose Sharks: third among NHL scorers this season behind MacKinnon and McDavid.
Bo Horvat (New York Islanders), Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings), Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens), Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals) were also named but did not participate at last year’s Face-Off event.
Commenting on Celebrini’s inclusion: “He’s had an incredible year,” Crosby said. “You know, I think for a lot of guys, knowing it’s an Olympic year and the opportunity that could be there—I think that you could tell that guys are really motivated in the first half [of the season] to prove themselves—and there’s so many players that could be part of these teams.
“I mean—it’s a lot of different guys you could pick from. So—you know—he had an incredible start and earned his way on the team.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins are based in Pittsburgh as part of the National Hockey League. The organization hosts home games at PPG Paints Arena downtown and has won multiple Stanley Cup championships throughout its history since being established in 1967. The team remains central to local sports culture through fan engagement initiatives and community programs designed to promote youth development within hockey.Official website resources provide updates on tickets, schedules and news related to both current athletes like Crosby as well as notable figures from franchise history such as Mario Lemieux.
