Superstar centre Auston Matthews has been named captain of the United States men’s Olympic ice hockey team for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, a major leadership call as U.S. hockey prepares for its first Olympic tournament with NHL players in more than a decade.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star — widely regarded as one of the premier goal scorers in the National Hockey League — will wear the ‘C’ for Team USA as the Americans aim to contend for their first gold medal in men’s hockey since NHL players returned to the Olympic stage. Alternate captains named alongside Matthews are Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy, mirroring the leadership group that featured prominently during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
The naming of Matthews at the helm underscores USA Hockey’s trust in his leadership and experience, both on and off the ice, as the squad begins its Olympic campaign. The team held its first practice at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan ahead of opening play this week when the U.S. is scheduled to face Latvia.
A Leader With Scoring Prowess and NHL Star Power
Matthews, 27, brings not only leadership but elite scoring credentials to the role. A perennial All-Star and one of the NHL’s most feared offensive threats, his ability to find the back of the net has been a hallmark throughout his professional career. While Team USA has never won Olympic men’s gold in the NHL era, Matthews’ presence and leadership provide a key piece in that quest.
The captaincy follows a leadership role Matthews already held during international competition last year, and it reflects USA Hockey’s strategy of building around its most dynamic players. Team general manager Bill Guerin praised Matthews, Tkachuk and McAvoy for “leadership qualities that set the tone for our group,” noting they “bring passion, competitiveness, and a deep commitment to representing their country.”
In addition to his offensive skill, Matthews’ leadership role will be crucial in galvanising a roster that blends seasoned NHL stars with emerging American talent. With the Olympics marking a rare moment when the world’s best hockey players come together under one flag, the captain’s job is as much about guiding the group’s identity as it is about performance on the ice.
Historic Return: NHL Players Back at Olympics
The 2026 Winter Games hold special significance for Olympic ice hockey, as the NHL athletes are returning for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics — ending a 12-year absence due to league decisions in 2018 and 2022. That return has ignited excitement among fans and rekindled some of the sport’s most intense international rivalries.
On the men’s side, Canada also revealed its leadership group, handing the captaincy to NHL legend Sidney Crosby, with Cale Makar and Connor McDavid slated to serve as alternate captains. The matchup between the U.S. and Canada — perennial hockey superpowers — is already shaping up as one of the marquee storylines of the Milan-Cortina competition.
For American fans, Matthews’ captaincy is also a chance to see one of the NHL’s brightest stars lead his country on one of sport’s grandest stages. As the Olympic tournament approaches, there is a sense that every detail — from roster construction to leadership roles — will matter in a pursuit of gold that has eluded the United States in recent Olympic history.
Matthews’ Journey to Olympic Captaincy
Auston Matthews’ path to the U.S. Olympic captaincy has been underscored by consistent excellence at every level. Drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016, Matthews quickly became one of the league’s most lethal scorers, earning multiple league scoring titles and All-Star nods while anchoring Toronto’s offensive attack.
Internationally, Matthews has represented the United States at various tournaments including the World Junior Championships and senior World Championships, experiences that have broadened his perspective and value on the international stage. His roles in previous USA Hockey competitions laid the groundwork for him to wear the ‘C’ at the pinnacle of Olympic ice hockey.
While some critics argue that international captaincy demands different qualities than NHL leadership, USA Hockey’s decision reflects trust in Matthews’ ability to balance scoring acumen with leadership under pressure. His role as captain also places him in a lineage of iconic American hockey leaders, tasked with guiding a team hungry for Olympic glory.
Building Toward Medal Contention
The U.S. men’s hockey team enters Milan-Cortina with high expectations but also keen recognition of the challenges ahead. Group play will feature a variety of matchups testing depth, strategy, and resilience — all areas where leadership is crucial. Matthews’ voice in the locker room and on the ice is expected to play a central part in navigating those tests.
With the roster boasting a mix of veterans and rising stars — including standout forwards, dynamic defenders, and elite goaltending — the role of captain extends beyond ceremonial duties. It includes setting the emotional tone for the team, uniting diverse personalities, and anchoring efforts during tense Olympic moments where experience often makes all the difference.
Opposition squads, including Canada under Crosby’s leadership and other strong hockey nations, loom as formidable rivals. Yet the renewed presence of NHL stars and the intensity of Olympic competition promise some of the most compelling hockey scenes in recent memory.
Looking Ahead
As opening puck drop approaches, all eyes will be on Matthews and the Americans to see how they translate their NHL dominance into Olympic success. For Matthews personally, the Olympics represent not just another tournament but a defining moment in his career — a chance to lead his country, chase gold, and etch his name into US hockey history.
The appointment of Matthews — flanked by Tkachuk and McAvoy — encapsulates a blend of elite talent, leadership ambition, and national pride. As the competition unfolds in Milan and Cortina, the world will watch closely to see if this leadership group can deliver on the promise of an Olympic medal and bring long-awaited gold back to Team USA.
