The captains for the four nations face-off were announced today. Some of them were no-brainers, while others could have been different. Let me break it down for you.
Team Canada: Captain Sidney Crosby, assistants Connor McDavid, Cale Makar
This was a no brainer as long as Sidney Crosby is playing he is captain Canada. No further questions. I don’t care how good Connor McDavid is, his time will come. Crosby has the experience to lead a country and is still an elite player. I don’t think it’s time to pass the torch just yet. Especially after leading Canada to gold in 2014 at the olympics and the world cup in 2016. It’s still Crosby’s team.
Captain Canada 🇨🇦#4Nations Face-Off kicks off on February 12 with Canada vs. Sweden at 8p ET on @NHL_On_TNT, @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet, @TVASports! pic.twitter.com/bqaDZKkUIm
— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2025
Team USA: Captain Auston Matthews assistants Charlie McAvoy, Matthew Tkachuk
I figured that Auston Matthews would be captain. If you could be the captain in Toronto, being the captain of team USA might be easier. Matthew Tkachuk being an assistant is understandable. He is a leader on the Panthers and is a huge part of why they went to back to back Stanley Cup finals. The questionable one in my opinion is Charlie McAvoy. I think it should be Quinn Hughes. Hughes is already the captain of the Canucks and is a great leader. He is also a better defenseman than McAvoy so I do have some questions with this choice.
Team Sweden : Captain Victor Hedman assistant Mattias Ekhlom, Erik Karlsson, William Nylander
Much like Canada’s decision naming Crosby captain. I think Sweden did a similar thing naming Victor Hedmen captain. Hedman is a veteran leader and is going to play a key part in the tournament for Sweden. I don’t have any problem with the either of the assistants. However, I am pleasantly surprised with William Nylander being named an assistant captain. It shows the strides that Nylander has made as a player and leader. Nylander has often shown up in the playoffs and keeps his players accountable on and off the ice.
Team Finland: Captain Aleksander Barkov assistant Mikko Rantanen Sebastian Aho Mikeal Granlund
These might have been the easiest choices of the tournament. Barkov captained the Panthers to a Stanley Cup. Aho and Rantanen are two elite players that will help lead Finland in this tournament. As for Granlund he’s had a very solid year in San Jose and will provide some great veteran leadership.
I’m very excited for this tournament which is just over two weeks away. How about you?