One of the most dominant narratives in the NHL continues to be the trade rumors surrounding Sidney Crosby. Despite Crosby’s unquestionable loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 38-year-old could be moved elsewhere, possibly to the Montreal Canadiens. As difficult as it may be for Penguins fans to watch Crosby donning the Habs jersey, it could happen.
However, the loud trade chatter has drowned out several other developments underway in full swing. Crosby is also an indelible part of the Canadian Olympic team. Whether playing for the Penguins or carrying out the noble task of representing his country at the highest level, Crosby rises to the occasion and gives his best.
Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong cannot help but notice the similarities between the Penguins captain and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky.
What Does Sidney Crosby Have in Common With Wayne Gretzky?
Crosby’s time at Pittsburgh is the grandest testimony to his loyalty and leadership skills. Crosby led the team to three successful Stanley Cup campaigns, and even though the team has failed to produce recently, there is little room to argue against the forward’s contribution to the Penguins. The 38-year-old is not just a phenomenal hockey player; he is blessed with qualities that make him stand out.
Speaking about Crosby, Armstrong couldn’t help but emphasize his centrality to Team Canada’s aspirations. “Yeah, that’s just the norm for me now. I’ve been fortunate to be around him. That’s just who he is.” Crosby is not just an elite player at 38; he is a true leader like Gretzky.
“He stayed consistent to character. He’s a great leader. He has the ability, a lot like Wayne (Gretzky) did, when you’re with them, everybody realizes they’re different, but they never act like they’re different. That’s a great quality. Sidney was as strong as always,” shared Armstrong, via The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.
Building Team Canada: How management is tackling Olympic decisions, from goalies to Celebrini/Bedard. Chatting with Doug Armstrong in my latest for @TheAthletic ⤵️ https://t.co/mfOgclc2z2
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 23, 2025
Despite his long list of admirable qualities, Crosby remains exceptionally humble. Moreover, his hockey continues to be phenomenal, even after all these years. For The Athletic, Chris Johnston outlined the massive role Crosby is expected to play in Team Canada as the NHL prepares to make an Olympic comeback.
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“What Crosby has already accomplished and how much he means to younger teammates is one thing,” he wrote. “Those are intangibles. But the fact that he’s still a difference-making top-six forward in the most competitive games imaginable is why the Canadian brass feels it has a pathway to fending off its most serious challengers as the NHL returns to the Olympics following a 12-year hiatus.”
Armstrong called the Penguins captain “a freak of nature,” and that sufficiently describes the status Crosby continues to enjoy even after two decades in the league.
