Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Crosby Out For Team Canada in Semifinals, McDavid Team Captain

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 9:34 AM ET

Sidney Crosby, who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal win over Czechia (after taking some heavy hits and exiting early), has been ruled out for Team Canada in their semifinal matchup against Team Finland on Friday.

Crosby was listed as day-to-day yesterday, with coach Jon Cooper emphasizing they wouldn’t rush him back and he’d play only if fully able—but the call is now in: he’s not dressing today. Crosby did skate on Friday, which means he could be available for the gold medal game if Canada advances.

Sidney Crosby will not play in the semifinals. Connor McDavid will wear the ‘C’ today, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates.

Sidney Crosby ne jouera pas en demi-finale. Connor McDavid portera le « C » aujourd’hui, Cale Makar et Nathan MacKinnon, le « A ». pic.twitter.com/Vk9J07BQzg
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 20, 2026

Per international rules, a team must have a designated captain, so Connor McDavid steps up to wear the ‘C’ for Canada in this high-stakes matchup. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon will serve as the alternate captains (the ‘A’s).

This lineup shift puts even more spotlight on McDavid, who’s been dominating offensively (leading the tournament in points coming in) and already showing strong leadership qualities throughout. It’s a symbolic moment too—many see it as the natural progression from Crosby’s era to McDavid’s as Canada’s top guy on the international stage.

Pierre LeBrun reports , “Team Canada will also be without top-4 D Josh Morrissey again today against Finland. Morrissey hasn’t played since getting injured in the Olympic opener.”

Team USA will play Team Slovakia later in the afternoon on Friday in their semifinal matchup.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: