The Boston Bruins might be skating without a captain this NHL season, but that hasn’t stopped two of their top players from stepping into leadership roles on the international stage.
David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, both alternate captains in Boston, will wear the ‘A’ for their respective national teams at the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan. And while the Bruins may be going with a leadership-by-committee approach at home, their presence in these international leadership groups shows just how respected they are around the hockey world.
Pastrnak Takes on New Role with Team Czechia
Team Czechia named its captain and alternates on Sunday, with veteran forward Roman Cervenka (HC Dynamo Pardubice) getting the ‘C.’ Pastrnak and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will serve as alternates.
For Pastrnak, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. He’s worn a letter before-both internationally and in the NHL.
He was an alternate captain for Czechia at the U-18 World Junior Championships in 2013 and 2014, and he’s held that same title with the Bruins since the 2021-22 season. He also captained the Atlantic Division during the 2020 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose.
This season, Pastrnak has evolved into more than just a sniper. He’s become a true playmaker for Boston, racking up 71 points (22 goals, 49 assists), including 26 points on the power play. That kind of production speaks for itself, but it’s the way he’s carried himself-on and off the ice-that’s earned him this leadership nod.
Milan marks Pastrnak’s first Olympic appearance, and he’s already made history by carrying the Czech flag during the Opening Ceremony. It’s a moment that reflects not just his status as a star, but as a leader for his country.
Czechia opens its Olympic campaign on February 12 against powerhouse Team Canada. They’ll compete in Group A alongside Canada, France, and Switzerland.
McAvoy Anchors USA’s Blue Line and Leadership Core
Not long after Czechia’s announcement, USA Hockey revealed its own leadership group-and it’s a familiar trio. Auston Matthews will wear the captain’s ‘C’, with Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) serving as alternates.
McAvoy is no stranger to wearing a letter for Team USA. He was an alternate captain at last year’s Four Nations Face-Off and also held that role at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Bruins named him an alternate captain ahead of the 2023-24 NHL season, and he’s continued to grow into that responsibility.
This Olympic tournament will be McAvoy’s debut on the sport’s biggest international stage. But he’s no rookie when it comes to representing the red, white, and blue. Milan will mark his seventh tournament wearing the USA crest.
Team USA will kick off its tournament the same day as Czechia, February 12, against Latvia. They’ll compete in Group C alongside Latvia, Germany, and Denmark.
Leadership Without the ‘C’ in Boston, But Not Abroad
For Bruins fans, there’s something poetic about seeing both Pastrnak and McAvoy take on leadership roles in Milan. Even though Boston chose to go without a captain this season-opting instead for a group of alternates-it’s clear that their locker room is full of players who command respect.
Pastrnak and McAvoy may not have a ‘C’ stitched to their sweaters in Boston, but their international roles speak volumes. They’re not just stars-they’re leaders. And as the Olympic tournament gets underway, both will be counted on to set the tone for their teams, both on the ice and in the room.
The puck drops February 12. Expect both Pastrnak and McAvoy to lead by example, just like they do back home.