Macklin Celebrini being named captain of Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship came as somewhat of a surprise, though it was a decision many supported given the mark he’s already made on and off the ice as a teenager.

However, not even two days after the hockey world settled into the news, it was announced that Captain Canada himself, Sidney Crosby, would be joining the team, sparking questions about who would now wear the “C” for the red and white.

While many would have wanted—and still want—it to be Crosby, the legend apparently wanted Celebrini to retain the honor, despite the fact that it made the young star rather uncomfortable not to give it up.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed as much during his latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast:

“I heard that Celebrini was genuinely uncomfortable staying the captain with Sid on the team. I heard Crosby pushed back and said, ‘Nope, you should stay,’ and I heard the players rallied in his support. I’ll tell you this: if I was the Sharks, I would be thrilled with this. I think in the long run Celebrini will say, ‘Yeah, I didn’t really like it,’ but it turned out to be good for him,”

The 19-year-old Celebrini is coming off an unbelievable second NHL season, having racked up 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games played. Meanwhile, Crosby, 38, continued to do his thing, tallying 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) in just 68 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

There’s no doubt it had to feel strange for Celebrini not to concede the captaincy over to his idol upon his arrival, but he earned the “C” to begin with, and everyone involved clearly knew that, especially Crosby.

All that matters now is that the two click on the ice like they did last year—and this time, lead Canada to gold. Game 2 of their preliminary-round action against Team Italy is set for Saturday at 10:20 a.m. EST.

Next: The Minnesota Wild Tried to Reunite the Hughes Brothers