Big news is brewing in the hockey world, and it's set to shake up the upcoming World Championships. Hockey Canada has officially added Sidney Crosby to the 2026 tournament roster, following the Penguins' first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers. This immediately raises a major question: will the legendary Crosby take the captain's "C" from San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini?
Celebrini, just 19 years old, was previously named Team Canada's captain, with John Tavares and Ryan O'Reilly serving as alternates. While it’s a huge honor for the young Shark, it would be a natural fit for the iconic Crosby to reclaim the captaincy, especially after leading the team at the Olympics in February. The decision will be a hot topic as the tournament approaches.
Meanwhile, the Sharks' future is looking bright on multiple fronts. Goaltending prospect Christian Kirsch is on a tear, leading the Kitchener Rangers to the Memorial Cup. His playoff numbers are staggering: a 16-2-0 record and a .900 save percentage in the OHL playoffs. Could he be a key part of San Jose's long-term plan?
Speaking of plans, all eyes are on the Sharks' draft strategy. With the No. 2 overall pick, Corey Pronman has weighed in on who San Jose might target. Will they stay put and select a franchise cornerstone, or could they trade down? Pronman's latest mock draft also projects their pick at No. 20, giving fans plenty to discuss as the draft nears.
Off the ice, the PWHL is expanding in a big way. An official expansion to Las Vegas has been confirmed, with the team expected to play at T-Mobile Arena. And for Bay Area fans, the wait is almost over: a San Jose expansion announcement is expected next week, with the team set to call SAP Center home.
Around the league, the Vegas Golden Knights showed their resilience, taking Game Five in a 3-2 overtime thriller against the Anaheim Ducks despite missing captain Mark Stone. They now hold a 3-2 series lead. Elsewhere, Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is a finalist for the prestigious Jim Gregory Award, while the Buffalo Sabres have tied their series 2-2 with the Montreal Canadiens, capitalizing on Montreal's struggling power play. And in Chicago, rumors are swirling: could the Blackhawks trade up from the fourth-overall pick to land a top prospect?