Team Canada just made it official: Sidney Crosby will wear the “C” at the upcoming Winter Olympics, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar serving as alternates. If that trio sounds familiar, it should - this is the same leadership core that powered Canada to victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February. And now, they're back together on the sport’s biggest international stage.
Let’s start with Crosby. At 38, he’s already etched his name into Canadian hockey lore - two Olympic golds, three Stanley Cups, and a resume that speaks for itself.
He captained Canada to gold in Sochi back in 2014, and he’s still the heartbeat of any team he’s on. His leadership isn’t just symbolic - it’s foundational.
When Crosby speaks, the room listens. When he leads, others follow.
Connor McDavid, on the other hand, is stepping onto the Olympic ice for the first time. It’s hard to believe, considering he’s been the face of the NHL for years now.
But thanks to NHL participation restrictions in recent Games, this will be his long-awaited Olympic debut. And while he may be new to this stage, there’s no doubt he’s ready for it.
His speed, vision, and offensive creativity are unmatched - and with Crosby and Makar alongside him in the leadership group, he’s in elite company.
Then there’s Cale Makar, who continues to establish himself as one of the game’s premier defensemen. He led all Canadian skaters in time on ice during the 4 Nations tournament, logging heavy minutes on the top pairing with Avalanche teammate Devon Toews.
That chemistry will likely carry over to Italy, where Makar is expected to anchor the blue line once again. He’s not just a puck-moving defenseman - he’s a game-changer, capable of tilting the ice with every shift.
Across the pond, Team Sweden has also named its leadership group, with Gabe Landeskog set to captain the squad. It’s a full-circle moment for Landeskog, who wore an “A” at just 21 years old during Sweden’s silver-medal run in 2014.
Now, he returns as the team’s leader, flanked by veteran defensemen Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman as alternates. That trio brings a wealth of experience and poise - a steadying presence for a Swedish team with high expectations.
So now, with rosters locked and captains named, the table is set for what promises to be a high-stakes, talent-loaded Olympic tournament. Canada’s leadership group blends generational skill with proven experience - a mix that could be the key to another golden run. And with Sweden countering with a veteran-led core of their own, the stage is set for a showdown between two of international hockey’s heavyweights.