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Penguins' Sidney Crosby delivers subtle blow towards Blackhawks' Connor Bedard during interview
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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has sent a subtle shot towards Connor Bedard's way ahead of the 2026 Olympics in Milano, Italy, during orientation camp with Team Canada.
With the 2026 Olympics taking place in Milano-Cortina, Italy, NHL players will finally be in the fold once again.
Each country will soon be forced to lock in their final rosters, and many are pondering between the idea of Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini making it.
But it seems as though Sidney Crosby has his mind clearly set on who he'd choose out of the two former first overall picks.
Bedard, who didn't play in the World Championships in 2025 due to him not receiving an invite, took place at this year's Team Canada orientation camp alongside the 42-player group invited and didn't even get a nod from his idol, Sid "The Adult" Crosby.
A low blow by any measure.
Will Team Canada Go With Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini?
Events like international competitions are exciting for NHL fans, as we get to see "best-on-best" action outside of the league.
This year will be no different, as Gary Bettman gave the go-ahead for players to return to the Olympics.
For Connor Bedard, it's a matter of pride to put on your country's jersey. And having your idol campaign against you is a difficult notion to deal with.
Crosby recently suggested that he believes that San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini is a young man who should at least be considered as a player who could make the team.
"He's earned the right to be in the conversation," said Crosby as per The Athletic.
"He's earned the right to be in the conversation," said Crosby as per The Athletic.
While Crosby isn't the general manager, his influence across the spectrum of professional hockey worldwide cannot be understated.
It'll be down to the St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong to decide who will be the best players to add to the 2026 Olympic Roster.
Doug Armstrong's latest statement is a statement dripping with a "put up or shut up" attitude behind it.
"They've been told that Oct. 7 to Jan. 1 is massive for them, like it is for everybody else," said Armstrong "You don't have to be a certain age to make this team. If you're good enough and you can help us compete to win, then you'll make this team."
Armstrong compiled a Stanley Cup-winning roster in 2019.
It'll be dependent on his skill and know-how to keep Canada in the discussion during the deepest part of the Winter Olympics as they compete for a gold medal.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 293 ANSWERS Penguins' Sidney Crosby delivers subtle blow towards Blackhawks' Connor Bedard during interview Do you think Center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks deserves to be on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 183 | 62.5 % |
| No | 110 | 37.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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