Sydney without “C”: Crosby gave up the captaincy to Selbini for the 2026 World Cup.

Sidney without the “C” designation: Crosby ceded the captaincy to Selbryn for the 2026 World Championships McLinn Selbryn will retain his captain’s stripes even after Sidney Crosby arrives at the 2026 World Championships.

The team players, including Crosby, supported Selbryn. This was a beautiful gesture towards the new generation.

For Sidney, this will be his first tournament as captain without the captain’s stripes since 2010.

The decision of the NHL Canada’s management and the players themselves symbolizes a conscious shift in the team’s leadership. Sidney Crosby, whose leadership has long been a benchmark in world hockey, voluntarily gave up his formal role in order to maintain a more informal atmosphere within the team. The 19-year-old McLinn Selbryn demonstrated maturity not only on the ice, but also outside it. The public support given to Selbryn by the legend only strengthened his authority. At the 2026 World Championships, Canada will have a new captain, but with an old core behind them. Crosby will remain an informal leader and mentor, passing on his role to a generation that is ready to write its own history of gold medals.