Connor McDavid: Stepping Up for Team Canada
MILAN – As the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament progresses, all eyes are on Connor McDavid. While Sidney Crosby’s potential injury casts a shadow, it’s also creating an opportunity for McDavid to further cement his legacy as a leader and a dominant force on the ice.
The Athletic is providing live coverage of the crucial Canada vs. Finland and USA vs. Slovakia semifinals. And it was McDavid who was first on the ice for practice Thursday, a subtle yet powerful statement of his readiness.
Leading by Example
Currently leading the Olympic tournament with an impressive 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists), McDavid isn’t just performing at an elite level; he’s already leading this team on the ice. However, with Crosby’s injury, the possibility of McDavid wearing the captain’s ‘C’ for Canada has become increasingly likely.
When asked about what he’s learned from Crosby’s leadership style, McDavid reflected, “That’s a good question. I think Sid is just himself, and it doesn’t need to be anything more or less. I think everybody’s different in their own way. Obviously, everybody goes about things differently. That being said, Sid’s an unbelievable leader, and everybody here watches him and is trying to learn off him.”
A Gradual Transition of Leadership
The shift in leadership isn’t sudden. It began to unfold with McDavid’s championship-winning goal at the 4 Nations tournament. He has organically grown into a more prominent leadership role within Team Canada, at his own pace.
Head coach Jon Cooper has observed this growth, stating, “You get to that 4 Nations tournament, and I think everybody was looking to Sid in that tournament… But I’m seeing much more out of the group now, especially Connor. I think he’s much more – not that he wasn’t comfortable, but I think there was a lot of uncertainty… In this tournament, he’s been fabulous.”
Ready for the Challenge
McDavid acknowledges the depth of leadership within the team. “We’ve got lots of guys that lead,” he said. “That’s the beauty of this team. Everybody in that room is a leader in their room. That won’t be an issue.” Even if Crosby is sidelined, his influence will remain significant, as McDavid emphasized, “He’s Sidney Crosby. He’s gonna have a big influence, no matter what.”
Players like Drew Doughty and Sam Bennett have been profoundly impacted by Crosby’s leadership. Doughty noted Crosby’s ability to embody what it means to be a Canadian hockey player, while Bennett highlighted Crosby’s exemplary daily conduct and leadership by example.
McDavid’s Impact and Chemistry
However, if Crosby is unable to play, the responsibility will fall heavily on McDavid’s shoulders. Fortunately, he appears ready. Doughty raves, “Never played against a player like him in my entire career… great guy off the ice, and then when it’s game time, he’s dialed in and ready to go.”
Bennett, who faced McDavid in two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, is particularly impressed with McDavid’s current form. “It’s incredible… You can see how important this is to him, how much he wants it. He’s given everything he’s got… He’s on another level right now.”
McDavid’s chemistry with 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini is also a key factor, and the addition of Nathan MacKinnon to that line creates a formidable offensive threat.
As Team Canada prepares for a challenging semifinal against Finland, the spotlight is firmly on Connor McDavid. He’s not just a player; he’s a leader, a catalyst, and the potential captain who can guide Canada to Olympic glory.
Source: The Athletic
