NHL insiders make their pick between Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid for 'bigger impact' at 2026 Olympics

NHL insiders are already debating between Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, which player will have a bigger impact for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Olympics will be held in Italy from February 11 to 22, with men’s hockey games in Milan and Cortina.

On Tuesday, TSN’s Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill, and Jonas Siegel discussed the topic with hockey insiders Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun. Siegel said Crosby has only a 5% chance of making a bigger impact than McDavid.

Darren Dreger gave Sidney Crosby the edge with 60%, saying Crosby’s defense and leadership matter more in close games.

"I will say that Crosby will have a more impactful showing," Dreger said. [2:40 onwards] "Like 60%. The reason I'm saying defensively solid to win the gold on the world stage, right?

Dreger said Canada needs players like Crosby who can handle pressure and play the right way at the Olympic stage.

"And I'm gonna go all the way back to the golden goal in 2010 and how that team was built. They were built to win hockey games, one goal games, tight checking games. Crosby is still he's designed to play that way, and he's comfortable playing that way. And in that regard, I think he'll be all around better."

Pierre LeBrun said McDavid could win MVP at the Olympics. However, he praised Crosby’s off-ice influence and leadership.

"I'm going to say on the ice. Conor McDavid wins MVP at the Milan Olympics, which I look forward to going over and covering," LeBrun said. "Off the ice, Sidney Crosby's impact is already unreal."

LeBrun said Crosby led by example during Canada’s Olympic camp in Calgary, showing his teammates how to prepare and stay focused.

"It started Calgary Olympic camp in August, going to every player, making sure everyone understands you know where they are in this process." LeBrun said. "Unbelievable the stories you hear about 87 taking this to another level in terms of being the captain of team Canada. But on the ice, I think 97 can have the biggest comeback."

At the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, both players tied for second in scoring with five points. McDavid scored the overtime winner against the United States to secure the title for Canada. Sidney Crosby also had a key role, just as he did in 2010 when he scored the 'golden goal' to win Olympic gold in Vancouver.

The insiders' take makes it clear that both players bring something valuable to Canada in Italy. McDavid’s speed and scoring ability will lead Canada’s offense, while Crosby’s leadership and experience will guide the team. Together, they could help Canada win another gold medal in 2026.

Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid's impact this season

Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby have both performed well this season. Crosby, in his 21st season, has 15 points, with eight goals and seven assists in 11 games. After missing the playoffs for the past three seasons, for the first time it seems like the Penguins can make the playoffs. They have started the season with a 7-2-2 record.

Meanwhile, McDavid has 14 points, with three goals and 11 assists in the same number of games. The Oilers have been inconsistent with a 5-4-2 record, but they have made it to the Stanley Cup finals in the past two seasons. They are expected to improve as the season progresses.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar