Sidney Crosby Doesn't Think He's a Lock for the 2026 Olympic Team

Sidney Crosby is very humble, there's no doubt about that. The Pittsburgh Penguins great joined all-star weekend a day after everyone else and was asked about the NHL's announcement that the players would be heading back to the Olympics for the 2026 and 2030 games.

Of course, Crosby will be a part of the festivities as even though it's two years away, the veteran forward hasn't showed any signs of slowing down and can still be inked into the lineup as at least the fourth-line centre. There's zero chance Hockey Canada doesn't include Crosby on the team, however when asked, he admitted he feels he still needs to earn a spot:

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. It's an unbelievable experience to see the best players go head-to-head representing their country. From my experience in it, I don't know if you get better hockey than that. It's great to be a part of and great for fans, everyone involved. It's a special thing.

When the Olympics kicks off in 2026, Crosby will be 38 years old. He's currently in his 19th season and we've all seen how well he's playing and how he's still able to dominant night in and night out. Crosby sits with 50 points in 47 games so far this year, and is hopeful his Penguins can get hot ahead of the March 8 trade deadline to give Kyle Dubas a chance to upgrade the lineup.

As for international play, Crosby's decorated resume includes two Olympic gold medals, a World Juniors gold, world championship and the 2016 World Cup. The 2026 Olympics will be held in Milan, and expect to see #87 in red and white.

Find someone who looks at you the way Justin Bieber looks at Sidney Crosby 🤩😁 pic.twitter.com/2xLLkgZM3y
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 4, 2024

Sidney Crosby continues to be one of hockeys best ambassadors. One by one took pictures with a number of fans. Had individual conversations with each of them. Made it special. 🙌🏽 #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/iyrDzAicvO
— David Amber (@DavidAmber) February 3, 2024