Celebrini remains captain for Canada at men’s worlds; Crosby to wear ‘A’ – TSN

Macklin Celebrini will serve as the captain of Canada’s national team for the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Switzerland, retaining the role despite the late addition of Sidney Crosby to the roster.

The decision was finalized during a player-led discussion held on May 13 in Fribourg and Zurich, Switzerland. According to reporting from TSN’s Chris Johnston, Celebrini’s teammates, including Crosby, supported the 19-year-old continuing as captain.

The appointment makes Celebrini the youngest person to captain a Canadian senior-level men’s team. For Crosby, the tournament marks the first time he has represented Canada without the captaincy since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Crosby will instead serve as an alternate captain, joining John Tavares and Ryan O’Reilly in that leadership role.

Leadership Transition

Celebrini was originally awarded the captaincy on May 10. Two days later, on May 12, Crosby was added to the team roster. Despite Crosby’s extensive history as a leader for the national program, the players decided that Celebrini would keep the “C.”

Crosby has served as captain in his last six international events, a tenure that included the Olympics in Milan Cortina in February 2026.

Speaking with reporters before the leadership group was finalized on May 13, Crosby expressed support for the decision and praised Celebrini’s contributions.

“Yeah, we’ll figure it out. That’s not something that we’ll need to spend much time on. I’m really happy to be here. (Celebrini has) had an unbelievable year. He looks amazing out here. I can see why he got selected. He’s got so many great leadership qualities….”Sidney Crosby

Celebrini’s Professional Rise

The San Jose Sharks center has seen a rapid ascent in professional hockey. Selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL entry draft, Celebrini recorded a franchise-record 115 points during the current season.

His performance earned him a spot as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by his peers. He was also a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy during the 2024–25 season.

Celebrini’s international experience has expanded quickly. He represented Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championships, the 2025 IIHF World Championship, and the 2026 Winter Olympics. During the February 2026 Olympics, he recorded 10 points in six games, becoming the youngest NHL player to play for Canada at the Olympics.

Prior to his professional career, Celebrini played for the Boston University Terriers, where he became the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award during his freshman season.

Tournament Outlook

Crosby and Celebrini are no strangers to playing together, having shared a line during the previous year’s world championship, although Canada failed to medal in that tournament.

Canada is scheduled to begin its tournament play on May 15, 2026, in a game against Sweden.