2026 Milan Olympics: Canadian captain Sidney Crosby not ruled out of men’s hockey tournament

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby might have some more Olympic hockey left in the tank.

That was the message from head coach Jon Cooper on Thursday as he said Crosby is “by no means” ruled out of the semifinals against Finland.

Here’s what you need to know.

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You can also see our full Canada vs. Finland semifinal preview and score prediction here.

Sidney Crosby

Crosby left in the second period of Canada’s 4-3 overtime quarterfinal win against Czechia on Wednesday and did not return. He fell awkwardly when taking a hit from Czechia’s Radko Gudas and he took another hit along the boards later in the same shift.

Crosby talked with medical staff on Canada’s bench before walking gingerly back to the dressing room. He appeared to be favouring his right leg

The longtime Pittsburgh Penguins captain was scheduled to have an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury.

After Crosby did not skate during Thursday’s practice, Cooper talked with reporters and said Canada’s captain was not ruled out of the tournament.

“We’ve got the best of the best looking at him,” Cooper said. “We’re taking this day by day, we’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way. But if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more in 24 hours.”

The 38-year-old Crosby has six points (2G, 4A) in four games.

Other injuries

Sam Bennett told reporters he missed the quarterfinal game because of an illness and he will be good to go for Friday’s semifinal. Bennett has one assist in three games.

Defenceman Josh Morrissey has also not been ruled out after missing the last three games with an undisclosed injury. Morrissey practiced Thursday, but it’s unclear how close he is to returning. He didn’t record a point before leaving Canada’s tournament-opening win against Czechia.

There’s also a belief Nathan MacKinnon could be dealing with some sort of lower-body injury, although nothing has been announced. MacKinnon, who didn’t practice on Thursday, has been one of Canada’s most consistent players with three goals and three assists in the tournament.

Team Canada

Team Canada has been the favourite to win gold all tournament and they enter the semifinals at -130. They are also fairly heavy -500 favourites to beat Finland in the semi’s.

One interesting thing to watch for that semifinal matchup is who will wear the ‘C’ for Canada. Olympic rules say teams must have a captain dressed for every game, so if Crosby can’t go, you have to think Connor McDavid will get the promotion.