Team Canada’s decision to keep Macklin Celebrini as captain for the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship has led to debate across the hockey world, especially after the arrival of Canadian legend Sidney Crosby.
NHL analyst Jay Rosehill strongly questioned the move days after Hockey Canada confirmed Celebrini would continue wearing the “C” despite Crosby joining the roster following the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff exit.
“Giving a 19 year old kid the Captaincy of a team that Sidney Crosby is on is basically blasphemy,” Rosehill said. “He’s got years and years to be a leader, why not give him the opportunity to watch the best in action? It would only benefit him down the road.”
Giving a 19 year old kid the Captaincy of a team that Sidney Crosby is on is basically blasphemy.
He’s got years and years to be a leader, why not give him the opportunity to watch the best in action?
It would only benefit him down the road.— Jay Rosehill (@Jay_D_Rosehill) May 17, 2026
Celebrini was originally named captain on May 10 after Hockey Canada finalized its tournament roster. When Crosby later volunteered to join the national team, players reportedly held a closed-door meeting to discuss leadership roles. The group unanimously backed Celebrini as captain, while Crosby accepted an alternate captain role alongside John Tavares and Ryan O’Reilly.
The decision carries historic weight. At 19 years old, Celebrini became the youngest captain ever to lead Canada’s senior men’s team at a major international tournament. It also marks the first major tournament since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where Crosby is representing Canada without serving as captain.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
So far, the move appears to be working. Celebrini has recorded three points through Canada’s first two games, including a dominant two-goal performance against Italy, in which Canada won 6-0.
Crosby has quietly contributed in a supporting role, focusing on defensive play and veteran leadership.
Canada currently holds a perfect 2-0 record in group play, and the chemistry between Celebrini and Crosby continues to grow with every game.
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