How Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby is passing the torch to Connor McDavid at Winter Olympics 2026

McDavid dominant on Olympic debut

Last month, during the Four Nations tournament, McDavid scored the overtime winner against the USA to seal the title for Canada. But Thursday’s display may have been his most complete performance yet on the international stage.

McDavid dictated play with his speed, shooting and vision, the same qualities that define his NHL brilliance.

Crosby was content to support rather than dominate, leading by example and guiding without obstructing. It was the poise of a seasoned champion ushering in a new era.

Experience, however, offers no guarantees.

With the victory, Crosby became the seventh player to record double-digit points for Canada at Olympic Games featuring NHL players.

“It allows you to know what to expect a little bit. But ultimately, age, experience, it’s one thing. It doesn’t guarantee anything, doesn’t give you anything. You still got to go out there and do it,” Crosby told Olympics.com on Wednesday (11 February).

In McDavid, Canada appear to have a successor ready to do exactly that.