Ron MacLean believes Team Canada could have a new legendary pairing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Olympic men’s hockey event will take place from February 11 to 22 in Milan and Cortina. The NHL players will play in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.During an interview on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, MacLean spoke about Sidney Crosby and Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. MacLean compared the two veterans to the famous Mario Lemieux–Steve Yzerman duo from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.MacLean said Crosby and Tavares could play a similar role for Canada because of their experience, leadership, and recent form."And I just love I'm sure they saw what Tavares did with Bedard at the Worlds," MacLean said. "Those two led the Canada in ice time in their last meaningful game, and he they were magic together. And I could see a 37- or whatever-year-old Tavares and Sidney Crosby; those two guys being Mario Lemieux and Steve eiserman in Salt Lake City."Tavares is in the middle of a productive season with 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 18 games for the Maple Leafs. He is signed to a four-year, $17,557,120 contract that runs through 2029. MacLean believes a 35-year-old Tavares could still play an important role on the national team.Sidney Crosby is also having a strong season at age 38. He has 20 points in 18 games and continues to show his elite vision and reliable two-way play. Crosby has 1,707 career points and remains one of the most respected leaders in the sport.Team Canada’s full lineup will be named in early January 2026. Doug Armstrong, the team’s general manager, has stressed the value of experience and chemistry. That approach supports MacLean’s view that Crosby and Tavares could form a veteran pairing capable of guiding a young roster.Canada's roster preparations for the 2026 Winter OlympicsTeam Canada has already narrowed its Olympic roster list to about 35-40 players. Doug Armstrong has claimed that the group will identify about 80 percent of the team by early December.Goaltending remains unclear, with several candidates posting mixed results this season. Armstrong said the next month will help determine who earns the final spots."The next month will really give us an indication on where players are at," Armstrong said, via NHL.For now, players can still push their way into the lineup with strong performances. With NHL players returning to the international stage, fans are eager to see what this next era of Canadian hockey will look like.