Why Sidney Crosby, even at 38, is still the biggest weapon for Canada’s Olympic hockey dominance

For nearly two decades, Sidney Crosby has been the face of Canadian hockey excellence. Now, at 38, the legendary forward is preparing for what could be his final Olympic chapter. As Team Canada sharpens its roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, the message from its brass is clear: Crosby isn’t just a leader of the past—he’s the competitive advantage of the present.

Sidney Crosby’s enduring brilliance inspires Team Canada

Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president Scott Salmond didn’t mince words when asked if Canada still holds an edge in international play. “There’s one. That’s Sidney Crosby,” he said. Such reverence reflects more than nostalgia. Despite his age, Crosby continues to perform at an elite level, registering his 20th consecutive NHL season at a point-per-game pace.

At the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, he tied Connor McDavid as Team Canada’s scoring leader with five points and posted a team-best plus-3 rating.

For general manager Doug Armstrong, that level of consistency speaks volumes: “He’s a freak of nature.” Few players manage to balance longevity, leadership, and production the way Crosby has.Even more striking is the respect he commands from younger teammates. McDavid, widely regarded as today’s most dynamic player, openly called Crosby “special” for still carrying the captain’s mantle. Rising stars like 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini echo that admiration, describing Crosby as both a mentor and a grounding presence.

Crosby’s ability to bridge generations—while still anchoring the top six—may prove decisive when Canada faces its fiercest challengers. Team USA, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic are all poised to disrupt Canadian dominance, but Crosby’s influence is seen as the glue that binds the squad.

Legacy, leadership, and Canada’s Olympic hope

For Crosby, the chase for a third Olympic gold medal feels both surreal and inevitable. He has already secured iconic status with the “Golden Goal” in Vancouver and back-to-back triumphs at Sochi and the World Cup of Hockey.

Yet his motivation remains grounded. “I try not to think too far ahead… I guess I kept the belief,” Crosby said when asked about the NHL’s return to the Olympics.That belief is contagious. Teammates like Sam Reinhart admit that Crosby’s daily focus and calm resilience inspire them to raise their own standards. Beyond the rink, his humility—whether chatting with rookies or sharing laughs on the golf course—cements his role as the heartbeat of the team.As February approaches, the stakes rise. Canada is no longer an untouchable giant; rivals smell opportunity. But in Crosby, they have a rare weapon: a leader whose presence lifts everyone around him. Salmond perhaps captured it best: “They don’t want to let him down… what he brings to Hockey Canada is incredible. And it’s a huge advantage for us.”For a nation that measures hockey glory in gold, Sidney Crosby remains the compass pointing Canada toward another unforgettable Olympic run.Also Read: Controversial NHL rule change could make Auston Matthews one of the league’s biggest off-ice money makers