It was the Four Nations tournament earlier this year. With many star players on the roster, the American team was the favorite to win the tournament. However, their rivals, Canada, shocked them in the final 3-2 and lifted the trophy in the prestigious event. The star player could be none other than Sidney Crosby, a veteran player on and off the ice. He was one of the leading point-getters in the tournament and starred in the big games like the final against the United States. Fast forward to today, and we are already looking at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy next year, where Crosby will be in action.

The 37-year-old knows what it takes to win on a big platform like the Olympic Games. Crosby is a 2-time gold medalist with the Canadian team at the Olympics. However, the previous edition in Italy back in 2006 was a forgettable experience for Crosby and the Canadian team. Despite starring in the rookie season for the Penguins with 102 points, Crosby was left off the Canadian team roster. Canada went on to finish seventh in the Olympics that year, their worst result on this stage.

Nonetheless, Crosby came back strongly and won the gold medal in the next edition in Vancouver. Recently, NHL insiders Pat McAfee and Paul Bissonnette discussed the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. While the latter expressed confidence in the Canadian team, McAfee jokingly mentioned, “I don’t know if you heard, Sidney Crosby’s playing for America.” Stunned at first, Bissonnette got along with McAfee’s humor and mentioned in return that there was no chance that they could steal their Captain Canada at the Olympics.

Talking about this season, it has been a disappointing one for Crosby and the Penguins. They finished seventh in the Metropolitan Division and failed to make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Crosby continued to deliver and scored 91 points this season, leaving him 10th on the list of most points scored in the 2024-25 season.

With Crosby refusing to slow down, he is already eyeing his third Olympic gold medal. With the NHL players returning to the Olympics, Crosby is more excited than ever to feature in the event.

Sidney Crosby beams with pride at representing his country

The NHL players will be able to play at the Winter Olympics for the first time since the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia. Thus, it provides a chance for stars like Crosby to have the last laugh before they call time on their illustrious careers. During an interview, Crosby expressed confidence in a good performance at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy next year.

He revealed, “I’d love to. I don’t ever think too far ahead; regardless of how old you are, I think you always go a year at a time and see how it goes and where your game is at. I’d love to be a part of it. Something you have to earn, though. It’s not something that’s given to you. To represent your country, you’ve got to earn it. With all the uncertainty that’s been around it in years prior, just how great of an experience it is, it’s just awesome news. I’m sure that a lot of players are really happy. Especially to commit to two years, two different Olympics. I think that’ll be great.”

Crosby has won two gold medals at the 2002 and the 2010 editions of the Winter Olympic Games. Can he clinch his third gold medal in the next year’s edition? Let us know your views in the comments below.