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Sidney Crosby gives emotional answer on passing the torch to Connor McDavid after Team Canada win

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 4:21 PM ET

Sidney Crosby was very thoughtful and empathetic when speaking about Connor McDavid's Team Canada overtime winner, but wouldn't say it's a passing of the torch.

Sid the Kid cemented himself as a Canadian hockey superstar with his overtime goal in the 2010 Olympics, and last night, Canada's younger generational star in Connor McDavid had his own moment - but Crosby is still king.

Sidney Crosby gives emotional, thoughtful answers on McDavid but isn't passing the torch yet

After the game, Crosby showed his deep respect for McDavid, not only for his talent, but his work ethic, leadership, and how he carries himself as the best player in the NHL.

He does so much for his team and the league, there's a lot of expectations. If anyone can relate to that, I think it's me. I think knowing what he puts into it, seeing him get rewarded like that, is huge.
I couldn't be happier for him. He cares so much, he's an unbelievable player, he's done a lot already in his career but I'm sure this one feels good, and we needed it.

- Sidney Crosby

In his post game media availability, Crosby praised McDavid again, but refuted the idea that he's passing the torch.

He couldn't be more deserving of an opportunity in that moment. I don't look at a torch being passed. I'm happy, grateful to be part of this group.

Connor McDavid himself also said that there's no passing of the torch - Crosby and Team Canada will get back together soon for the Olympics.

"Well, I think you're gonna see Sid in 12 months. So, I don't see a passing of any torch."
- Connor McDavid

Crosby is still unanimously Captain Canada among the country and the players, although there is a true sense that McDavid is the future face of the sport.

Crosby gives high praise for Connor McDavid as a player and a person

Earlier at the tournament, Sidney Crosby singled out McDavid as the player he wanted to learn from - and the feeling was mutual with McDavid too.

At the Olympics in 2026, it is possible that Sidney Crosby could pass the captaincy down to Connor McDavid. The next international event will be in 2028, and Crosby will be nearing 42 years old - and he's not going to play forever.

The players' collective respect will put Crosby on top, and he's still a dominant player in the NHL and for Canada, but last night was Connor McDavid taking a massive leap forward on the international stage to becoming the face of hockey.

It's an emotional moment to see Sidney Crosby, the legend that so many players grew up admiring, is now at the phase of his career where we realize he won't play forever. He deserves the utmost respect for his career and gutting it out for Canada, and he's right to not pass the torch yet.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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