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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will reprise his leadership role for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will officially reprise his leadership role at the 2026 Olympics for Team USA.
Matthews served as the American squad’s captain during the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. Matthews and company took home the silver medal after losing to Canada in a tense final match.
This year, Team USA announced on Sunday that Matthews would serve as its captain for the 2026 Olympics. Joining Auston Matthews in the USA’s leadership group are Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. McAvoy and Tkachuk will serve as alternates.
Team USA GM Bill Guerin, moreover, lauded the decision. He praised the three players named as part of the leadership group, highlighting the various forms of leadership they bring to the table.
“Auston, Charlie and Matthew did a great job in leading our team a year ago at the 4 Nations Face-Off 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.”
Auston Matthews is a fine choice for captain amid a stacked leadership core. That core also includes Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller. There’s no doubt that Larkin and Miller will support Matthews during critical moments in and off the ice.
Auston Matthews Proud to Wear the “C” for Team USA
The responsibility of wearing the “C” for Team USA is not something Auston Matthews takes lightly. It’s something he values, as being captain for his country on the world’s biggest stage is a remarkable honor.
“It is crazy to think now we are here, and we get this opportunity, and it is very special. Extremely honored to represent (my) country and wear the Team USA jersey. It means that much more doing it somewhere like the Olympics.”
The legacy that comes with wearing the stars and stripes is a proud one. Auston Matthews will look to lead the United States to its first gold medal since the Lake Placid Games of 1980. That Miracle on Ice squad has been the inspiration for generations of hockey players.
Now, Matthews and company will have an opportunity to bring back the glory that eluded them in 2002 and 2010.
Matthews Wants Team USA to Be a Team
Auston Matthews doesn’t plan to lead from behind. If anything, his vision is to lead the charge with his teammates playing as a unit. The Olympics are not about individual performance, but valuing what each member brings to the table.
“I envision our team as a team. The camaraderie we have in the room and the selflessness of each guy to step in and fill a role that needs to be had and do whatever it takes and whatever is necessary to help the team. That was really evident at 4 Nations and the team at the Olympics will try to carry that on.”
That camaraderie brought the US close to winning the 4 Nations Face-Off. Now, that same camaraderie will hopefully also be the lynchpin for this iteration’s shot at capturing Olympic glory.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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