Connor McDavid may be in for major change after Crosby replacement picked for Team Canada
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Team Canada has already begun to process of naming a replacement for Sidney Crosby on the 4 Nations Faceoff roster, which may also involve making Connor McDavid captain of the team.
Could Connor McDavid be named Team Canada Captain if Sidney Crosby is ruled out?
According to an update from Darren Dreger this morning, Team Canada has already tapped
Mark Scheifele as the backup in case Crosby can't play. That's not an encouraging sign for his availability for the tournament.
Earlier this week, Crosby's arm was wedged between two opposing players moving in opposite directions. He immediately left the ice in clear discomfort, but was later able to return to the game. Then, Crosby has missed practices since.
Any injury that would keep Crosby out of the tournament would have to be incredibly severe. With the Penguins falling out of the playoffs, Crosby may even be prioritizing playing for Team Canada, and play through a wrist sprain for the tournament. The only thing that may hold him out could be a bone break.
Players in agreement Crosby is still Canada's Captain
If Crosby is replaced by Scheifele on the roster, it's very likely that Connor McDavid would be named team captain for the event. Still, McDavid has no interest in it, and easily said Crosby is the choice.
Should be Sid, for sure. Not even a question. It's just how it should be. He's Sidney Crosby and he's been there so many times. He's the guy. It's not like I've thought about it a lot. It's such a no-brainer.
- Connor McDavid
Sidney Crosby joked about McDavid being in consideration for being Captain, but also said the Oilers' captain was a phenomenal leader that could become Captain when Crosby departs.
I appreciate that (endorsement), maybe it's a little bit more experience, him giving me that. Connor's obviously a great leader and he's done so much for the team here and Canada as well. Any time you're looked to wear a letter, whether it's a C or an A or be a part of Team Canada is an honour.
- Sidney Crosby
If Crosby can't play in the tournament, the other players who could be named captain aside from McDavid would be
Brad Marchand or
Nathan MacKinnon.
It would be a devastating blow to Canada and all hockey fans to not have Crosby in the tournament, so hopefully, he is able to play.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
FEVRIER 8 | 261 ANSWERS Connor McDavid may be in for major change after Crosby replacement picked for Team Canada Do you think McDavid will be Captain of Canada is Crosby doesn't play? |
Yes | 242 | 92.7 % |
No | 19 | 7.3 % |
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