Canada’s alternate captain and forward, Sidney Crosby, is currently taking part in the 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland after exiting the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In his first four appearances, the 38-year-old posted five points to help cement Canada atop the standings in Group B with 11 points.

Soon after, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky was asked to comment on Crosby and his enduring performances. While speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, the 65-year-old hailed Crosby for his longevity and compared him to fellow sporting greats.

“He wants to continue," Gretzky told Pat McAfee, later reported by Yahoo Sports. "And listen, he’s our Tom Brady. He’s our LeBron James. A guy that can still bring it at an older age.”

The comparison isn't without reason. NFL quarterback Tom Brady is celebrated for his remarkable longevity. In a career spanning 23 seasons, Brady won 7 Super Bowls before retiring at 45.

Meanwhile, basketball veteran LeBron James keeps adding to his legacy at 41. The Lakers star just finished his 23rd NBA season, and continues to perform at the highest level.

Similarly, Crosby remains an elite force in the NHL. He posted 74 points in 68 regular-season games this campaign, including 29 goals and 45 assists. He pushed Pittsburgh into the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

As for recent performances, he registered four out of his five assists in Canada’s World Championship game against Denmark, which ended in a 5-1 scoreline.

According to Gretzky, Crosby still has a lot to give amidst his uncertain future with the Penguins. The veteran center will enter the final year of his contract in the 2026-27 season.

“Make them tear that jersey off you,” Gretzky stated.

Notably, Gretzky's admiration for Crosby predates the Pittsburgh Captain's NHL debut.

Gretzky recalls meeting young Crosby

Wayne Gretzky had no hesitation in backing Sidney Crosby to continue playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Moreover, he recalled meeting a young "Sid The Kid" at a hockey camp in California and being amazed by his talent.

"They had this camp in California, and they had all these kids come in," he stated. "And they were 18-year-olds who're going to be drafted into the NHL."

While assessing the talent on display, Gretzky spotted a 14-year-old Sidney Crosby and immediately asked about him.

"Who's that little guy out there? He's the best player out there," he recalled. "They said 'that's Crosby, he's only 14.'"

The next day, Gretzky brought his equipment and played a game with Crosby, ensuring their paths crossed. Such was the talent that Gretzky spoke to Crosby's father and assured him of his qualities.

"I could see it then, when he was 14 or 15, how good he was," he recalled. "And how much better he was than everyone else at that age."

While Gretzky has endorsed Crosby to continue until his heart is in it, the Penguins captain has yet to decide the next phase of his longstanding career.

Will Sidney Crosby continue playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins after the 2026-27 season? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Sijo Paul