At the 2026 Olympics, Crosby and McDavid Share the Ice-and the Spotlight
There’s no official ceremony for a passing of the torch in hockey. No podium, no speech, no flame. But if you were watching Team Canada take the ice in Milan, you might’ve caught something that felt close.
When Connor McDavid was the last Canadian skater to step onto the ice against the Czech Republic, it wasn’t just a lineup quirk. It was subtle, but telling.
Sidney Crosby-Canada’s captain, Olympic hero, and standard-bearer for over a decade-let McDavid go last. It was a small gesture, but in hockey, where superstition and symbolism run deep, it spoke volumes.
Penguins fans might recognize the move. Crosby’s longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin has long insisted on being the last one out of the tunnel, citing his days in the Russian Super League.
Crosby, known for his own rituals, has never been one to fuss about the order. But this time, it felt different.
This wasn’t just about routine-it was about recognition.
And on the ice? McDavid made sure the moment wasn’t just symbolic.
Against the Czechs, McDavid was electric. He racked up 14 chance contributions-more than double anyone else on the ice.
He didn’t just lead the charge; he was the charge. Crosby, meanwhile, had two.
That’s not a knock on Sid-it’s just the reality of where these two generational talents are in their careers. McDavid, at 29, is in his prime.
Crosby, 38, is still effective but no longer the engine. The shift isn’t coming-it’s already happened.
To be fair, in terms of individual accolades, McDavid passed Crosby on the stat sheet years ago. Five Art Ross Trophies, three Hart MVPs-McDavid’s trophy case is already more crowded than Crosby’s, who has two of each.
But this is the Olympics. This is Team Canada.
And for the first time, McDavid is clearly the guy.
That doesn’t mean Crosby’s role has diminished. Far from it.
He’s still producing-two assists in the opener-and his presence in the locker room and on the bench is as valuable as ever. He’s the heartbeat of this team, even if McDavid is now the pulse on the ice.
Where things really get scary for opponents is when Crosby and McDavid are out there together. Add in Nathan MacKinnon, and Canada’s power play becomes a cheat code.
The puck movement, the vision, the finish-it’s world-class talent stacked on top of world-class talent. Down low, they’re nearly impossible to defend.
It’s not just skill; it’s chemistry, and it’s clicking at the right time.
Crosby hasn’t said whether this will be his final Olympic run, and at 38, he’s not ruling out a return in 2030. But let’s be honest-42 is a big ask, even for someone as driven and disciplined as Sid.
Still, this might not be his last shot at international glory. With the NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF finally aligned, a post-Olympics announcement is expected to confirm a 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
That could give Crosby one more “best-on-best” before he calls it a career.
For now, though, it’s all about Milan. Canada’s next test comes against Switzerland, and with the tournament heating up, the focus isn’t on who’s carrying the figurative torch-it’s on who’s carrying the puck.
Crosby and McDavid aren’t competing for the spotlight. They’re sharing it. And if that leads to another gold medal for Canada, there’ll be plenty of glory to go around.