Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews has earned a fair bit of praise over the course of his 10-year NHL career. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Matthews has consistently been one of the league’s top scorers, which has enabled his Maple Leafs to be perpetual contenders in the Eastern Conference. Still, his team — which is under his leadership as captain — has yet to get over the hump.
It’s been the lack of postseason success that has drawn the most ire toward Matthews. But as men’s hockey at the Olympics is on the verge of commencing, all that can be dismissed as the past should Matthews lead Team USA to its first gold medal since the legendary Miracle on Ice in 1980.
If the team is able to accomplish such a feat, Matthews will be at the center (pun absolutely intended) of it all. As the U.S. captain — Matthews, alongside Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who were named to Team USA’s leadership team Feb. 8 — Matthews’ voice carries extra weight.
Everything he says and does, on and off the ice, means more. Every goal, assist, block and hit holds significance. As Matthews goes, Team USA goes, which is why him performing at the top of his game is crucial to the nation’s success.
Legacies are Built in Moment’s Like the Olympics