Craig Button Reveals Team Canada’s Most Important Player At The 2026 Winter Olympics, And It’s Not Sidney Crosby

Despite Crosby’s leadership and legacy, analyst Craig Button believes the most important player for Canada’s gold medal hopes is Connor McDavid.

McDavid is once again putting up elite numbers in the NHL this season, scoring 34 goals and adding 62 assists for 96 points in 58 games. Individually, he has done almost everything possible in the NHL. But team success, whether it is a Stanley Cup or Olympic gold, has remained out of reach so far.

That is why this tournament feels different for him.

Speaking on the OverDrive podcast, Button did not hold back.

“There’s a huge spotlight and a huge responsibility on Connor McDavid, and he’s not going to shy away from it,” Button said.

“I believe that he is Canada’s most important player because of everything that he represents. The best player on the planet, the desire, the determination to be the next big player for Team Canada at the Olympics.”

Button also questioned the decision not to include McDavid’s Oilers teammate Zach Hyman on the roster, suggesting it could impact McDavid’s comfort level.

“When they didn’t name Zach Hyman, I think it was a big mistake. The most important thing was to get Connor McDavid into a state where he could be as comfortable as possible and as confident as possible and I think they took that away from him by not naming Hyman.”

Canada has the talent. They have history. They have the experience. But if they are going to stand on top of the podium again, Craig Button believes it will be Connor McDavid who carries the biggest weight.