When it came to captaining Team Canada, both Sidney Crosby and Macklin Celebrini were in favor of each other. But ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Championships, the young center will retain the "C", with Crosby set to serve as the alternate captain.

Team Canada's captaincy initially seemed obvious as Celebrini had already been handed the role ahead of the tournament.

However, Crosby's inclusion raised questions. The 38-year-old center had been leading his country since the 2014 Olympics and held the armband at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The organization, however, will go with its initial choice as Celebrini holds onto the captaincy.

“Macklin Celebrini will remain as captain for Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship, with Sidney Crosby wearing an ‘A’," as reported by NHL insider Chris Johnston and Bolavip.

This was seemingly what Crosby had also wanted, as it was a player-led decision.

"That was decided after a player-led discussion,” Johnston reported. “The players wanted Celebrini to keep the ‘C’.“

General manager Brad Treliving also erased all doubts regarding the role .

"We named [Celebrini] captain before [Crosby] agreed to participate,” Treliving stated, as per BolaVip. “When Sid came, he was adamant that Mack remain the captain. At the same time, Mack was adamant that Sid be the captain.“

Each star lobbied for the other to lead, but the team went ahead with its initial choice. Even before the announcement, Crosby agreed with Celebrini leading the charge. He reflected on the San Jose Sharks player's season.

"[Celebrini] has had an unbelievable year," he told TSN. "He looks amazing out there. I can see why he got selected.”

Crosby's evaluation doesn't come without reason. Celebrini has arrived after a 115-point tally in just his second NHL season. After establishing himself as one of the best players at 2026 Olympic team, the 19-year-old has earned his role.

Nonetheless, this marks a major shift. For the first time in 16 years, Crosby will represent his country on ice as a deputy.

But it may prove to be a good omen.

Canada shone when Crosby last played as a non-captain

Crosby's last non-captain appearance came at the 2010 Winter Olympics, with Team Canada clinching the gold medal by defeating Team USA. The then 22-year-old even scored the golden goal in overtime to help his team win the game.

Cut to the present, Team Canada is off to a hot start at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Playing in Group B, they had two victories: a 5-3 win over Sweden and a 6-0 win over Italy. Celebrini's scoring exploits continued as the captain added three points with two goals and one assist.

With Canada hoping to win its first gold medal in three years, Celebrini and Crosby have their work cut out. Team Canada will next play against Denmark on May 18.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Sijo Paul