MILAN — Sidney Crosby’s Leadership in Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team
Sidney Crosby has had an illustrious career featuring three Stanley Cups, two Art Ross trophies, and over 1,400 NHL games under his belt. He’s once again taking on the captaincy for Canada in the best-on-best tournament, marking his fourth consecutive year in this role.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, who is set to make his Olympic debut alongside 22 other Canadian teammates, steps in as co-captain. His five Art Ross trophies, coupled with more than 750 games of experience, highlight why he’s regarded as one of the best players globally.
Then there’s Cale Makar, who at 27 years old has been named an alternate captain despite having less NHL experience than his teammates. His selection to wear the “A” on his No. 8 jersey for the Quad and the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics demonstrates the faith the team has in him.
Makar boasts an impressive resume, being a Stanley Cup champion and two-time Norris Trophy winner. He notched his first Olympic goal during a power play in Canada’s decisive 10-2 victory over France, bringing his group play total to 1 goal and 3 assists.
Reflecting on his younger days in Calgary, Alberta, Makar shared that if someone had told him he’d score at such a grand international event, he wouldn’t have believed them. He emphasized the importance of making an impact in critical matches.
Canada has advanced to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face the winner of the Czech Republic and Denmark. It’s hard not to envision Team Canada reaching the gold medal game as long as key players keep up their stellar performances.
2026 Winter Olympics
Makar leads the team alongside McDavid in plus-minus rating, both sitting at plus-7. He’s also pivotal on the power play, contributing significantly with four goals across three games. Yet, he feels there’s room for enhancement in their approach.
His exceptional puck-handling skills complement a group that includes Crosby, McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sam Reinhart. Makar skates alongside his Avalanche partner Devon Toews, forming a strong defensive duo that is clearly accustomed to playing together.
Toews commented on their longstanding partnership, noting that their mutual understanding makes them effective. “He knows my strengths, and I know his. He’s so dynamic that I try to get the puck to him as much as I can. There’s a reason he’s among the best in the world,” he said after Canada claimed the top spot in the qualifying round.
Makar’s international experience had been limited during the pandemic and the NHL’s absence from the Olympics. His prior representation for Canada came at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, while his most notable performance might have been at the World Junior A Challenge, where he made a lasting impression.
With aspirations for further international success, Makar expressed eagerness for the journey ahead. “I’m excited about the next steps. Regardless of the opponent, we’re going to face a significant challenge. It’s essential for us to continually improve and maintain the right mindset as we move to the next game,” he said.
