Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is expected to play a leading role for Team Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. This will mark the first time since 2014 that NHL players participate in the Olympics.
Crosby, who has won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins and multiple gold medals for Canada, continues to mentor younger Canadian players as they prepare for international competition. “Regardless of (whether) it’s your teammates or Canadian players or just young guys, I think you can relate to a lot of things that these guys have gone through,” said Crosby. “I had guys that were really important to helping me and making adjustments, and hopefully fast-tracking as best I can. That’s part of playing on a team sport. That’s something that’s great about the game. Hopefully I can.
“These guys are so ready now when they come in at such a young age so they probably don’t need to hear much, but I’m here if they need it.”
Crosby has served as Canada’s captain at several major tournaments including the IIHF World Junior Championship (2005), Vancouver Olympics (2010), Sochi Olympics (2014), IIHF World Championship (2015), and World Cup of Hockey (2016). He also played an important role during Canada’s win at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament against the United States.
During this event, Crosby had his first opportunity to play alongside emerging stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Colton Parayko. MacKinnon noted Crosby’s influence: “He helped me a ton,” MacKinnon said. “He’s the main vet that helped me, and he wasn’t even on my team. I’m very lucky. Who knows where I’d be at right now without him? I’m sure those guys are picking his brain. I think it’s just natural. He’s a leader.
“I’m sure he’s like a father figure to guys. He’s one of the best ever. I’m sure it’s a lot of fun for those guys to play with him. I remember when I was 19 and he was probably 26, 27, and it was amazing for me too. Definitely a cool feeling.”
Crosby’s leadership extended recently at this year’s World Championship in Stockholm where he worked with younger players such as Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, and Porter Martone.
“I mean, it’s the coolest thing ever,” Fantilli said during the tournament. “I grew up with pictures of this guy on my wall and I always say to everybody, ‘However great of a guy you think he is, he’s 10 times better, I promise.’ It’s such a treat to be around him. I’m so grateful. It’s been really cool to be learning from him.”
Doug Armstrong, general manager for Team Canada and executive with St. Louis Blues, described Crosby’s impact: “Sid, he leads by example,” Armstrong told NHL.com. “His practice habits are exemplary. His preparation is second to none. I think that just rubs off on the players. Not being in the room, I know he’s doing it. I don’t know exactly what he’s doing as far as his leadership, but he pulls people together. But it’s also done by his relentless commitment to excellence. I think that gets everyone’s attention and makes everyone want to make sure they’re doing the best they can do to keep up with Sid.
“He’s been the pillar of our group for a long time. We would love to do the best we can do to continue his championship-caliber play and gold medal winning at the Olympics.”
As Team Canada prepares for its next Olympic campaign featuring NHL talent once again after more than ten years’ absence from Olympic hockey competition due largely in part to labor agreements between leagues https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-olympic-participation-history/c-326621452, Crosby’s experience is expected by many observers within hockey circles—including teammates past and present—to set an example both on and off ice.
