Watch: Penguins’ Sidney Crosby Addresses Olympics, Bigger Issues

Sidney Crosby is now the elder statesman of the NHL’s generational talents. Friday, he joined Connor McDavid, Connor Bedard, and the rest of the 2024 NHL All-Stars at the media availabilities at Scotiabank Arena.

Crosby is excited by the announcement from earlier Friday that the NHL players would play in the 2026 and 2030 Olympic games.

“Some of the guys were pretty vocal about the fact that they wanted to be a part of it. You hope going [sic] through those times (when NHL players weren’t in the games) that eventually it will make its way back,” Crosby said. “It’s great news. We’re really happy with the fact that we’ll be there soon.”

While Crosby would seem to be an obvious pick for Team Canada, and perhaps the captain, the always humble superstar took nothing for granted.

“I’d love to, but I don’t ever think too far ahead. Regardless of how old you are, you always go in your time and see how it goes and where your game is at,” said Crosby. “I’d love to be a part of it, but it’s something you have to earn. It’s not something that’s given to you. To represent your country, you’ve got to earn it.”

Crosby spoke glowingly of Jaromir Jagr, Rick Tocchet’s coaching job in Vancouver, and remained disciplined when pressed about Hockey Canada’s scandals and investigations.

Video was provided by National Hockey Now’s Mike Stephens, who is covering the event for the NHN network.