Team USA Head Coach Reveals What Makes Auston Matthews the Perfect Captain
American Head Coach Mike Sullivan shares his thoughts on why Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews can be such an effective NHL captain.
Speaking ahead of Team USA's first matchup in the Four Nations Faceoff against Finland, Mike Sullivan shared the impact Auston Matthews has on the ice, and why the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar has the right mindset to be captain.
TSN quoted Sullivan, who credited Matthews' ability to gain respect from his fellow teammates in the locker room in how he carried himself by example.
Everyone has an incredible amount of respect for what he's accomplished in the game.
He's a terrific player.
He's one of the elite players in the game.
He's a quiet leader and he's embraced that role for our team.
He's doing a terrific job for us.
Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach, trusts Matthews as a big-game player.
And it seems Matthews is ready to take on the challenge of leading his country to victory.
Auston Matthews Ready To Lead Americans At Four Nations
Auston Matthews didn't hold back his excitement of being the American captain for the Four Nations.
The pressure and stuff are just kind of what comes with it. - Auston Matthews
Matthews also credited his experience as captain with Toronto as understanding the importance of leadership.
Assistant Captains Charlie McAvoy & Matthew Tkachuk, both of whom played with Matthews as teenagers with the USA National Team Development Program, also gave credit to Matthews' effort and dedication to leadership.
As Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthews is trusted to lead a team in one the largest, and most scrutinized clubs in hockey.
After being named captain in the offseason to replace John Tavares in wearing the 'C,' Matthews has been given only a short time being in charge of a team but evidently appears to be a proper leader.
Despite being out with injury twice for the Leafs, Matthews is a commander whose leadership is just as necessary for Toronto to win as it is for his high-end goalscoring talents.
It's evident the respect that Auston Matthews commands around the league. Known as one of the NHL's best talents, it's his ability to lead a group of players that makes him a captain and also as valuable as he is.
