With the Olympics in full swing, NHLers are in Milano-Cortina, gearing up for the long-awaited tourney.
Practice has already begun for the various teams, with some crucial decisions coming down. One such decision has been naming leadership positions. Unsurprisingly, Colorado Avalanche players are in the midst of these decisions.
So, let’s dive in.
Team Canada rightfully recognizes Makar’s leadership
Team Canada named Sidney Crosby as their captain for this Olympic tourney. That decision was hardly a surprise. Another not-so-surprising decision was naming Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers as one of the alternate captains.
The other alternate for Canada will be Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar. That decision is spot on, as Team Canada’s management group has rightfully recognized Makar’s leadership. Of course, other deserving players could make up Canada’s leadership group.
That’s why the honor bestowed on Makar makes it even more meaningful. Makar is Team Canada’s best defenseman and should be a standout at both ends of the ice. So, it will be interesting to see Makar in action against fellow Avalanche Martin Necas in the Olympic opener on February 11.
Landeskog to continue Avalanche leadership role with Team Sweden
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will continue his leadership role, serving as captain of Team Sweden. Landeskog, who did not play at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year due to injury, will take over from Victor Hedman.
Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning will remain in the leadership group, serving as an alternate. Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins will be Sweden’s other alternate for Milano-Cortina.
Landeskog is one of the few NHLers with previous Olympic experience. He was on the Swedish side that captured silver at the 2014 Sochi Games. That was the last time NHLers participated in the Olympics. The NHL did not send players for the 2018 Games in South Korea.
It’s worth pointing out that the NHL had agreed to send players to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. However, the COVID pandemic altered those plans.
In a related note, former Avalanche Mikko Rantanen was named as an alternate captain for Team Finland. The Finnish side will have Mikael Granlund wear the C.