As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics take centre stage, Sidney Crosby has once again solidified his status as the heartbeat of Canadian hockey. At 38 years old, the “grizzled grandfather” of the roster—as dubbed by teammate Connor McDavid—is proving that his leadership and playmaking abilities remain world-class on the international stage.
On 8 February 2026, Crosby was officially named captain of Team Canada, a move described by many as the “worst-kept secret” in hockey. Leading a star-studded squad that includes McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and teenage sensation Macklin Celebrini, Crosby has already made an immediate impact. In Canada’s opening game on 12 February 2026, the captain recorded two assists to lead the national team to a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over Czechia.
Olympic Performance & Leadership
Crosby’s return to the Olympics marks his first appearance since 2014, filling a twelve-year gap for NHL players in the tournament. His presence has been particularly influential for the team’s younger stars. Following the win against Czechia, Crosby publicly praised 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini for his debut goal, while also noting his surprise at the high-level chemistry displayed by Mitch Marner.
With two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014) already in his trophy case, Crosby is seeking a third to further cement his legacy in the Triple Gold Club. His “Golden Goal” from the Vancouver 2010 Games remains the benchmark for Canadian Olympic success as this current roster eyes the top of the podium in Italy.
NHL Trade Speculation Silenced
Back in North America, the whirlwind of trade rumours involving the Pittsburgh Penguins has significantly cooled. Despite intense speculation earlier this month linking Crosby to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL insiders, including Chris Johnston, have confirmed that a trade is “officially dead” for this season.
The Penguins, led by General Manager Kyle Dubas, have shifted focus toward a playoff push, reportedly looking to upgrade their defence to support Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for “one more ride.” Crosby, who holds a full no-movement clause, has shown no indication of wanting to leave the only NHL franchise he has ever known.
Career Milestones & Legacy
Crosby continues to climb the all-time NHL leaderboards. He currently sits at 1,746 career points and recently became the first player in league history to record 30-goal seasons both at age 18 and over age 35. His longevity and consistent production have led to his recent inclusion in the CHL’s “Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years,” alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Captaincy | Team Canada (2010, 2014, 2026) |
| Stanley Cups | 3 (2009, 2016, 2017) |
| Career Points | 1,746 (as of Feb 2026) |
| Current Status | Active – Pittsburgh Penguins / Team Canada |
As the Olympic tournament progresses toward the medal rounds, all eyes remain on “Captain Canada” to see if he can lead the nation to its first men’s hockey gold since 2014.