Auston Matthews Leads U.S. Hockey Team as Olympic Captain

The U.S. men’s hockey team has appointed Auston Matthews as its captain for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The announcement was made on Sunday, marking a significant role for Matthews, who previously led the team during the Four Nations Face-Off in February 2025, where they faced a narrow defeat against Canada in overtime.

Matthews will be supported by alternate captains Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk. U.S. general manager Bill Guerin expressed confidence in their leadership capabilities, 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 in the NHL this season, recording 48 points in 51 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with 26 goals and 22 assists. A former No. 1 overall draft pick, he was also the recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP in the 2021-22 season and has led the league in scoring three times. This Olympic appearance marks Matthews’ first experience in the Games, as NHL players return to the men’s hockey competition for the first time since 2014.

Joining Matthews, Charlie McAvoy, also 28, is having a strong season with the Boston Bruins, contributing four goals and 35 assists in 45 games. Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk, who recently recovered from offseason hernia surgery, has played in 10 games for the Florida Panthers leading up to the Olympics.

As the women’s hockey competition is already underway in Milan, the men’s tournament is set to begin on Wednesday. Team USA’s first match is scheduled for Thursday against Latvia. Most NHL players arrived in Italy early Sunday morning, and Team USA held its first practice later that day, gearing up for what promises to be an exciting Olympic campaign.