Sidney Crosby continues to dominate headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as Team Canada carefully evaluates the impact of his lower-body injury. The captain’s potential absence raises strategic questions, including the international requirement that Canada would need to assign the ‘C’ of captaincy to another player if Crosby is unable to compete.
Coach Jon Cooper, however, has refrained from making any decisions, emphasizing that the team must wait to see whether Crosby is officially ruled out before adjusting roles or game plans. So, for now, Canada won’t have another captain and Crosby is still an option to play in the semifinal against Finland. A clear message on Thursday from Cooper, declining to consider that option.
The uncertainty surrounding Crosby has forced Canada to prepare contingency plans while still holding onto hope for his return. Teammates like Connor McDavid and Mitch Marner remain ready to step up, but the leadership and experience Crosby brings are irreplaceable. Marner scored the game-winning goal in overtime in the quarterfinals to beat Czechia.
Sidney Crosby has not been ruled out of 2026 Winter Olympics
Team Canada coach Jon Cooper has provided some reassurance, stating that Sidney Crosby is not out of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Right now, the star’s status is day by day.
Ultimately, if Crosby skates again in Milan-Cortina depends on ongoing evaluations and the team’s careful assessment of his readiness. Fans, teammates, and opponents alike are closely following the situation, knowing that his return could dramatically influence Canada’s chances for a gold medal and, of course, a potential clash with Team USA in the final.
What is officially known so far is that Crosby has an injury, though the specific part of his body has not been disclosed, and that Cooper has not ruled him out of the tournament. The next 24 hours will determine if he will be ready for the game against Finland.