Maple Leafs worried about Auston Matthews timing dilemma after Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Auston Matthews is returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a gold medalist.

The Toronto Maple Leafs did as millions of North Americans did Sunday morning: They watched Canada play the United States in the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game. The Leafs had a practice set to begin in a few hours, but one by one, most of the team gathered around a screen at their practice facility. They had national and personal allegiances.

For anyone who’s questioned Auston Matthews under pressure, the U.S.-Canada Olympic gold medal game was a masterclass in how he leads. Forget the flashy goals or highlight-reel stuff — Matthews had one job that was way harder: shutting down Connor McDavid.

The fact that Auston Matthews will have his salary increase with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his endorsement portfolio make his net worth go a long way in 2026. In addition to his long-time girlfriend Emily Ruttledge,

Team USA's Jack and Quinn Hughes praised Auston Matthews' leadership after they captured gold at the 2026 Olympic Games. The post Quinn and Jack Hughes Praise Auston Matthews After Team USA’s Olympic Triumph appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Make no mistake, Matthews is still very, very good. He may even be great. But he’s not what he was. And he hasn’t been for a while now.

The Olympic gold medal victory of Team USA over Canada was the catalyst behind the news when Auston Matthews was defensive whenever asked about his confidence in the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain was soon vindicated by Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes,

Matthews has finally won something of significance.

Auston Matthews is one of the best hockey players in the NHL.