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Team Canada GM Armstrong on McDavid: ‘Gold means everything to Connor right now’
Connor McDavid, Four Nations, Canada
Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Michael Menzies
Feb 11, 2026, 17:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 11, 2026, 15:58 EST
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There’s just one more sleep until Team Canada’s best hockey players participate in the Olympics for the first time in a dozen years.
The intensity and anticipation are ramping up for this team, laden with Stanley Cups and winners at the highest level.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid wants to join his teammates in winning at the highest level, and his leadership has impressed Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong.
After a couple of one-on-one meetings, Armstrong sees the passion and focus McDavid is bringing to this tournament.
“Gold means everything to Connor right now,” Armstrong told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s laser focused in what he wants. He’s the best player on the planet, and he doesn’t take that for granted. His work ethic is second to none.
“I think that’s the great thing for Macklin [Celebrini], for all the players, to see how the best of the best prepare, train, think. Sid, Connor, Nate. These guys are incredible professionals and they are so dialled into a level that is just higher than the rest of the NHL. That’s what makes them who they are. Connor’s in a great spot right now in his life, married, and got all the accolades you can need. Now, just putting Stanley Cups and gold medals on his mantle is the next step.” 
McDavid, along with many teammates who’ve never gotten the chance to participate in the Olympics, got his first taste at the Four Nations. He capped off the tournament with the overtime winning goal, finishing with three goals and two assists.
Coach Jon Cooper has McDavid skating with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson on his wings, slated as Canada’s top line. Ahead of the Olympics, McDavid penned a piece in the Players’ Tribune about how much it means to him to be representing his country.
Canada will play three games in four days during the group stage, taking on the Czechs on Thursday, Switzerland on Friday, and France on Sunday.
Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and has been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, he also collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues.

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