Auston Matthews came back to Toronto after a major moment with Team USA this week. He helped the United States win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The result ended a long wait for American men’s hockey and brought strong reactions across both countries.
That return to NHL play has changed the focus back to his role with Toronto.
Don Cherry Asks Fans To Cheer On Auston Matthews, Rather Than Booing Him
Don Cherry spoke out about Matthews before he got recognized by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday for winning gold in the 2026 Winter Olympics. There’s speculation surrounding Matthews’ reception by fans in Toronto in his first game back at Scotiabank Arena following the Olympic break.
Matthews had just captained Team USA to a 2-1 overtime win over Canada in the gold medal game. The result ended a 46-year gap since the United States last won Olympic gold in men’s hockey. So, there’s speculation that he will get booed by home fans for the Leafs’ unpleasant performance under him.
Matthews played an important role during the tournament. He finished with seven points in six games, scoring three goals and adding four assists.
In the gold medal game, he set up Matt Boldy’s goal in the first period. He also handled defensive duties well, which helped the team stay in control against Canada’s offense. Jack Hughes later scored the overtime winner to secure the title.
There are also questions surrounding Matthews’ decision to visit the White House with his teammates after the win. That visit came a few days after the tournament and sparked further discussion among fans and the media.
Cherry expressed his disapproval of the potential boos from fans in Scotiabank. He said Matthews deserved support from the crowd for what he achieved. “You should (give him an ovation) because the way the (American hockey players) have been treated is ridiculous,” Cherry said.
He also added, “It could have gone either way. Canada almost did it.” Cherry’s comments clearly show how close the final was and how both teams had a chance to win.
There was also a controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s joke about the USA women’s team. Matthews had earlier handled the situation without much reaction.
READ MORE: USA Captain Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on Donald Trump’s Remark on Women’s Hockey Gold Medalists
“That was unfortunate that kind of occurred,” Matthews said on Wednesday. “We love and respect the women’s team. The night we won gold, we were hanging out in the dining hall with them until three or four in the morning. “It was amazing both teams won, and that should be talked about more than the other.”
Back with the Maple Leafs, Matthews is focused on the season. The team is outside a playoff spot and trying to close the gap in the standings. Matthews has 26 goals and 50 points this season and remains a key part of the team.
With a little over a month and a half left in the NHL regular season, the next few weeks will be important for Toronto.
