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With his preternatural goal-scoring ability and constantly evolving two-way game, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is one of the deadliest hockey players in the world. But since playing with the elite kids of Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, he hasn’t had the chance to show what he’s capable of on the international stage.
Since the past two Olympics did not feature NHLers, the Leafs center has been on the sidelines, just like the rest of his superstar friends. In fact, the last time Matthews wore a Team USA jersey was back in 2016 when, as a teenager on the precipice of being drafted first overall by the Leafs, he played for the Americans at the World Championship. He also suited up for the U.S. earlier that year at the 2016 World Junior Championship.
That’s all about to change, however.
Matthews was one of the first six American players named to the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, a new gambit from the NHL to whet the international appetites of fans ahead of the 2026 Olympics in Milan, where the best players in the world are expected to return to that grand stage.
Team USA will face off against Canada, Sweden and Finland in February, and those involved expect fireworks.
“It’s going to be extremely competitive,” Matthews said. “Best-on-best is something that guys have really been wanting for a while, and I think it’s just great for the game. It’s going to be extremely competitive, and there’s a lot of pride in playing for your country.”
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Growing up, Matthews found his own U.S. heroes on the international stage.
“It was a tough result, but the 2010 Olympic team, they placed second,” he said. “But, obviously, a lot of those guys, Patrick Kane or T.J. Oshie, the whole shootout and all that stuff against Russia (in 2014), that’s probably my fondest memory of watching Team USA as a kid.”
Matthews kicked off his elite career playing for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for two years, where his teammates included Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy, who were also named to Team USA’s 4 Nations roster. In all likelihood, the majority of Team USA’s 4 Nations squad will have NTDP roots. All six named so far cut their teeth at ‘The Program,’ with Jack Eichel, Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes also on board.
“You’re with each other for two years, and you become extremely close,” Matthews said. “So, I’m still really tight with a lot of guys I played with there. It’s just a unique program. Even though you go your separate ways, you always keep in touch. I have a lot of really great memories there, and we had a really great group of guys, so I’m looking forward to reconnecting with a lot of them.”
Not that it will be easy for Matthews and the U.S. at the 4 Nations. Canada’s first six included Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby, while the Swedes boast blueline kings Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson. Finland counters with Stanley Cup captain Aleksander Barkov and Nashville’s franchise goalie, Juuse Saros.
“In situations and tournaments like this, it’s kind of about who can come together and be a team as quickly as possible,” Matthews said. “That’s usually the team that has the most success, and that’s the main goal. You’re going to have a lot of really elite players. It’s just putting the ego aside and doing what’s best for the team and coming together as quickly as possible.”
It will also be a fun event for the coaches and GMs constructing the rosters. The Americans are led by Cup-winning bench boss Mike Sullivan and GM Bill Guerin, himself a U.S. international alum. And being on the same side as a talent such as Matthews will be a nice break from their usual jobs in the NHL.
“Anytime you have players of that caliber, you certainly would rather have them on your bench,” Sullivan said. “It’s going to be exciting. It will give me and Billy an opportunity to get to know these guys on a more personal level. And that’s one of the more fulfilling things about these types of experiences.”
The 4 Nations might act as a nice respite for Matthews, who will again be chasing that elusive playoff success in Toronto. The stakes continue to ramp up for the group, though there is no doubt the Leafs have one of the top players in the world in their lineup.
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Matthews nearly hit the vaunted 70-goal mark last season, falling one tally short. He could easily find that range again this year, which would help the Leafs get into an advantageous spot for the post-season. With Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson joining the blueline, Toronto’s defense has much more of a playoff feel as well.
So, Matthews will get two opportunities for glory this season – can he pull off the double?
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News Summary:
- Global Goals: Auston Matthews Shares The Key To 4 Nations Face-Off Success
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