The U.S. men’s hockey team has officially named Auston Matthews as its captain for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The announcement was made on Sunday, marking a significant moment for both Matthews and the team as they prepare for the competition.
Matthews, who previously served as captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025, will lead the American squad alongside alternate captains Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk. The trio has demonstrated strong leadership in the past, and U.S. general manager Bill Guerin expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, “Auston, Charlie and Matthew did a great job in leading our team a year ago at Four Nations and it’s great to have them back in those roles for the Olympics. They all bring different leadership traits to the table and I know all three are excited, as is our whole team, about representing our country as part of Team USA.”
At 28 years old, Matthews has made a significant impact this NHL season, recording 48 points in 51 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, including 26 goals and 22 assists. Recognized as a former No. 1 overall draft pick and a winner of the 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP, he is among a new generation of hockey players making their Olympic debut. NHL players are competing in the men’s hockey tournament for the first time since 2014.
McAvoy, also 28, has contributed four goals and 35 assists in 45 games this season as a defenseman for the Boston Bruins. Tkachuk, who recently returned from offseason hernia surgery, has played in 10 games for the Florida Panthers leading up to the Olympic break.
As the women’s hockey competition unfolds in Milan, the men’s tournament is set to begin on Wednesday. Team USA will kick off its campaign against Latvia on Thursday. Most NHL players arrived in Italy early Sunday morning, with Team USA holding its first practice later in the day.
The leadership of Matthews, McAvoy, and Tkachuk will be essential as the team strives to achieve success on the Olympic stage, representing the United States with pride and determination.
