Aleksander Barkov and Victor Hedman were named captains for Team Finland and Team Sweden, respectively, on Thursday ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The 4 Nations Face-Off captains and leadership groups for Canada, Finland, Sweden and the U.S. must guide their teams to a win with little margin for error.

Team Sweden has announced that Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning will serve as their captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Hedman is in the midst of his first season as captain of the Lightning following the departure of Steven Stamkos.

Star centre Aleksander Barkov was the first captain named ahead of the 4 Nations Face-off Thursday. The Florida Panthers' star draws the 'C' with Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola serving as alternates.

The Lightning captain and two-time Stanley Cup champion will lead his country into the international best-on-best tournament in February.

Aleksander Barkov takes pride in wearing the 'C' as captain of the Florida Panthers. So, he appreciates the meaning of being able to also do it while representing his country. Barkov was named captain for Team Finland for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday.

Star forward Auston Matthews will captain the United States at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-off, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger has confirmed.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will captain the United States, Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman will captain Sweden, and Florida Panthers centre Aleksander Barkov will captain Finland.

Auston Matthews will serve as captain for the United States in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, and his team is the only one involved without a glaring injury question to answer.

Finland, Sweden, the United States, and Canada will reveal their captains for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February on Thursday.