Team Canada is off to a strong start at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the team’s performance has brought a specific new storyline to the surface. While the veteran players are currently leading the group, much of the public attention has been on one of the youngest members of the roster.
This young player is performing at a level that has many observers drawing comparisons to some of the most iconic players in the history of Canadian sports.
John-Michael Liles Compares Macklin Celebrini to Sidney Crosby After Team Canada’s Olympic Surge
Sidney Crosby continues to lead Team Canada, but right now, attention is on 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini after his early impact in Milano Cortina. The San Jose Sharks forward has stepped into a major role, skating on Canada’s top line and producing at a high level. His play has not gone unnoticed, especially from analysts familiar with Canada’s hockey history.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles recently compared Celebrini to a young Crosby, pointing to similarities in style and awareness. Speaking on Sportsnet 1440, he said, “We all know how good McDavid is, and I get to watch MacKinnon on a regular basis, and we know how good he is. The Avs last game before the break was against San Jose, and it is amazing how good Celebrini is.”
Liles added that Celebrini “is the closest thing to a 19-year-old Crosby. McDavid is a different player than Sid, but it is eerie when you watch Celebrini, how much he resembles a young Crosby. I love watching him play.”
Celebrini’s performance has indeed supported that view. He has recorded 6 points (including 4 goals) in three preliminary games, including a historic penalty-shot goal against France. He easily creates offense and stays composed in high-pressure situations, allowing Canada’s top line to operate smoothly.
Skating with Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson, the teenager has shown confidence that fits the Olympic stage.
McDavid has led the tournament in scoring, with 9 points in the first three games. His partnership with Celebrini has given Canada a reliable first line that can control pace and generate chances. That chemistry has also allowed the rest of the lineup to settle into defined roles, strengthening the team’s overall structure.
Meanwhile, Crosby continues to anchor the leadership group as captain. He recently became Canada’s all-time leading Olympic scorer in tournaments featuring NHL players, reaching 16 career points. His presence, along with alternate captains McDavid and Cale Makar, provides balance between experience and speed.
Canada finished the preliminary round with a 3-0 record and secured the top seed entering the quarterfinals. The team is expected to have a full lineup available against Czechia, with players like Brad Marchand and Josh Morrissey returning after sitting out recent games.
As Canada moves deeper into the tournament, they are focused on securing another win, but the spotlight on Celebrini is growing each day.
