A Maple Leafs prospect stared down his idol Sidney Crosby at the Worlds and refused to blink

Tinus Luc Koblar had no fear going up against his idol Sidney Crosby and his confidence shows the Maple Leafs could be calling on him in 2027-28.

Norway stunned everyone winning a bronze medal by defeating Canada and a lot of it had to do with Tinus Luc Koblar. Leading the team in scoring, he stepped up to his idol Sidney Crosby with pride on the line and didn't bat an eye which shows his confidence levels are sky high and he's out to prove he's a name to focus on.

Koblar went pointless in the bronze medal game though was a plus-2 and his defensive game was a key part in keeping Canada off the scoresheet. He finished the tournament with nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) and a plus-9 rating in 10 games.

Koblar reveals his mindset ahead of bronze medal win vs. Sidney Crosby and Team Canada

He took the time to speak with TSN's Mark Masters and talked about how important that win meant to the country and to his teammates:

It was an unreal feeling, before the tournament I don't think anybody thought of beating Canada and taking it home, so I think I was really glad to have that whole team together, it was great feeling for the team and the whole country.

I focused on the things I needed to do, I wanted to prove how good I am and show people I can play at the international level.

Not only that, but he told Masters that he was confident in his ability to step up to whoever Canada put in front of him, including his idol who happens to be one of the greatest players of all time - Sidney Crosby:

I know I would see NHL players like Crosby; the best of our generation so I wanted to prove myself to the world and to the people.

Playing Crosby it was amazing. Growing up watching him, he's been an idol for me, so I was really amazed by being able to play against him, no one was afraid though, that shows our success. We weren't afraid and knew they had the more skilled guys but we play and win as a team.

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Koblar certainly didn't show any fear even if he had some, and the fact that Norway came together as a unit and never gave up despite all odds show the type of perseverance you want in an NHL player.

Toronto needs to keep an eye on Koblar as he heads overseas for 2026-27

But as Koblar heads to Sweden next year as part of the SHL, the Maple Leafs have to keep an eye on his progress and make sure that if he gets hot, they strike as soon as possible. Having Koblar's two-way talents would be great for the team even at an AHL level, and he is still only 18 years old.

He outscored Ivar Stenberg, he put up more points than NHL stars like Dylan Cozens, Robert Thomas, John Tavares, and Matthew Tkachuk and he finished 13th overall in the tournament - only one point from tying Crosby.

Koblar isn't ready for the NHL yet but it's clear that he isn't intimidated by the pressure playing against them, and given his skillset he could be the next 2C of the future for the Maple Leafs and a strong season in Sweden will only bolster his chances.

If his defensive game stays solid and he adds even more offence to his game, then we could see something special from a draft pick who had some scratching their heads when he was announced.

But now their heads have turned to watch Koblar put on a show against some of the best in the world and just a small taste of what you can expect in a few years.

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