Connor McDavid relishing chance to play with Sidney Crosby at the Olympics
originally appeared on The Sporting News
We’ve come to the point where most of today’s NHL players grew up watching and idolizing Sidney Crosby.
You would think that means the 38-year-old is at or nearing the end of his illustrious career, but instead, he remains one of the best in the world with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Crosby will once again captain and be a vital member of Team Canada at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. For Connor McDavid, it’s another opportunity to represent his country alongside his idol, and he’s not taking it for granted.
McDavid spoke to the media on Wednesday and shared how special it will be to play with Crosby on the biggest stage given everything he’s done at the international level.
“It’s no shortage of what Sid means to me; I think that’s been well documented. Obviously, growing up watching Sid and idolizing him. And seeing him score that goal (2010 golden goal). He’s cut from the ’06 team and then the ’10 team; he scores that goal and then obviously the captain of the ’14 team,” McDavid said.
“For our generation, for him to still be here and being the captain and still playing a massive role, that’s special. It’s special for all of us. We’re obviously really looking forward to that opportunity,” McDavid added.
After years of waiting, Crosby and McDavid finally got to suit up together for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, which they, of course, capped off with a tournament victory.
Expectations are nothing short of gold in Italy
With all of the star power Team Canada possesses, they will enter February’s Olympic Games with one goal in mind, and that’s winning a gold medal. It’s pretty clear that no other country can stack up with the high-end talent the Canadians have at the top of their lineup, and it’s led by 87 and 97.
The 4 Nations gave us a taste of what it’s like to see Crosby and McDavid team up, and the Olympics should be even better in what could be the final time “Sid the Kid” is still leading the charge for the red and white.