Sidney Crosby's status for Canada's Olympic semifinal against Finland remains uncertain, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering a crucial question: if the Pittsburgh Penguins captain can't lace up, who steps in to wear the 'C' against the Finns?
According to IIHF rules, every team must appoint a captain, so Canada needs to address this head-on. With a roster brimming with leadership talent, the choices are abundant.
Consider players like Mark Stone, Nick Suzuki, and Connor McDavid, each captains of their respective NHL teams. Then there are those with the 'A,' like Drew Doughty, one of the few alongside Crosby who played in Sochi in 2014. Others in the mix include Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brad Marchand, Bo Horvat, Travis Sanheim, Colton Parayko, Tom Wilson, and Josh Morrissey.
McDavid seems the natural choice. Already on track to break Olympic records, he's been wearing an alternate 'A' next to Crosby and did so at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. Elevating him to captain feels more like recognizing his on-ice leadership than a promotion.
With Makar already donning an 'A', MacKinnon would be a fitting leader for the other, given his intensity and leadership pedigree. While the future shines brightly for Macklin Celebrini, his time for such a role might come later.
Head coach Jon Cooper has been vocal about McDavid's growth throughout the tournament, expressing genuine admiration.
“Everyone was looking to Sid in that tournament. Guys like (Drew) Doughty and (Brad) Marchand, who have been around for years, were vocal leaders,” Cooper shared.
“But I’m seeing more from the group now, especially Connor. He’s been fabulous.”
Teammates like Doughty, who has faced McDavid in playoff battles, have taken notice. But in this unique best-on-best tournament, past rivalries are set aside. The challenge is to build trust and chemistry quickly in a high-pressure environment.
“Never played against a player like him in my entire career,” Doughty remarked. “Great guy off the ice, fun to hang around.
And then when it’s game time, he’s dialed in and ready to go. He’s the best player on the ice every night.
It’s crazy.”
When someone with Doughty's accolades speaks about McDavid, it carries weight. Replacing Crosby's presence is a tall order.
“It’s almost impossible to fill the player void. But we’ll do our best.”
Canada's depth is enviable, and just like in the NHL, it's about the next man up.
Facing Finland will be a test of more than just McDavid's leadership. They’re a disciplined, structured team that demands opponents be at their best. Canada has the talent to rise to the occasion, with or without Crosby.
With a spot in the Gold Medal game at stake, motivation is at an all-time high. The captaincy decision is intriguing, but regardless of who wears the 'C', Canada is poised for battle.