Auston Matthews Named Team USA Captain for 2026 Olympics, Joined by Tkachuk and McAvoy as Alternates
Team USA has locked in its leadership group for the upcoming men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games - and it’s a trio built on high-end talent, international experience, and proven locker room presence.
At the top of that list is Auston Matthews, who’s been named captain of the U.S. Olympic squad.
Matthews, already the face of the Toronto Maple Leafs and their captain, now wears the “C” for his country as well. It’s a fitting nod to one of the NHL’s most dynamic scorers and a player who’s been at the center of American hockey’s modern resurgence.
Joining him as alternate captains are Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins - two players who bring grit, leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Both serve as alternate captains on their NHL clubs and have been key contributors to Team USA in past international tournaments.
This trio isn’t new to the red, white, and blue. Matthews, Tkachuk, and McAvoy most recently suited up together at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where they helped lead the U.S. to a second-place finish. That chemistry and familiarity clearly played a role in the decision-making process.
Bill Guerin, general manager of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, emphasized that leadership experience was front and center in choosing the team’s captains.
“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,” Guerin said. “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.”
Matthews’ resume speaks for itself. He’s a former Hart Trophy winner (2021-22) as the NHL’s most valuable player and has captured the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal-scorer three times - in 2020-21, 2021-22, and again in 2023-24. He’s not just a star - he’s a cornerstone, and his ability to lead by example on and off the ice makes him a natural choice to captain this Olympic squad.
Team USA opens its Olympic campaign on Thursday, Feb. 12, facing off against Latvia at Milano Santaguilia Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:10 p.m.
EST. With the NHL’s top American talent on full display and Mike Sullivan behind the bench as head coach, expectations are high - and rightfully so.
McAvoy, who was among four players to arrive in Milan early, took part in the opening ceremony on Friday, soaking in the Olympic atmosphere before the puck drops. Tkachuk, meanwhile, is back in form after offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. He’s already racked up eight points - three goals and five assists - in 10 games since his return, showing no signs of rust.
The Americans landed in Italy on the morning of Feb. 8, and with the tournament just days away, the focus now shifts to execution. The talent is there.
The leadership is in place. Now it’s about putting it all together on Olympic ice.
And with Matthews wearing the “C,” Team USA is in good hands.