Crosby named Canadian captain for Olympics with McDavid, Makar as alternates
Sidney Crosby has been named captain of the Canadian men's hockey team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, the organization announced Sunday.
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will serve as alternates.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, and it is an honor to be named captain of Canada's men's hockey team, which has so many great players and leaders," Crosby said in a statement.
Crosby also captained Canada's victorious 4 Nations Face-Off squad last year. This will be the fourth consecutive best-on-best international tournament in which the 38-year-old has worn the "C" for his country.
However, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar hasn't acted as Canada's captain in the Olympics since Sochi 2014, the last year NHL players were permitted to compete at the Winter Games.
He led that team to gold, and also played for the 2010 squad in Vancouver, scoring the golden goal against the United States.
Crosby is in the midst of his 21st NHL season, all with the Penguins. He has 27 goals and 32 assists for 59 points through 56 games. The three-time Cup winner surpassed Mario Lemieux in career points earlier this year to become the all-time franchise leader.
McDavid and Makar were alternates in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off as well.
The 29-year-old McDavid is a three-time Hart Trophy winner and leads the NHL this season with 96 points in 58 games played.
Makar, 27, is a two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's best defenseman. He has 15 goals and 42 assists for the NHL-leading Avalanche.
Canada opens its tournament in Italy on Feb. 12 against Czechia.