![[Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/04181558/leafs-auston-matthews-sounds-early-09-04-25-1-1920x1280.jpg "Leafs’ Auston Matthews Sounds Early Warning Shot on Team USA’s Behalf for 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina")
For Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, the road to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is paved with unfinished business. He is not just preparing to pursue a gold medal for the United States — he and his teammates are entering the world stage with a chip on their shoulders.
After falling just short in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off championship, a loss that has clearly lingered, Matthews says Team USA is coming to the Olympics with extra motivation and fire on the ice.
Why Is This Olympic Run Different for Matthews and Team USA?
The new intensity stems from a tough 3-2 loss to Canada in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off final at TD Garden on February 20. That defeat has remained on the Toronto captain’s mind, sharpening his focus for the upcoming Olympic Games.
“I mean, it’s tough,” Matthews said, according to NHL.com. “Obviously, losing in overtime, a bounce here or there… You never know what can happen. It’s a game of inches. I think it definitely gives you a little extra motivation going into this year.”
Auston Matthews rocking the American royal blues on set at U.S. men’s hockey media day. 😍🇺🇸
— @TeamUSA #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/g7c2iFL6LV
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) August 27, 2025
He continued, “The Olympics is a bit of a ways away, but still, everybody’s kind of got their mind on that just because of the importance that the Olympics brings to your country, the sport in general, and just the opportunity to do that.”
Matthews is coming off a productive 2024-25 NHL season where he tallied 78 points, with 33 goals and 45 assists in 67 games played.
What Is Matthews’ Role on Team USA?
The Maple Leafs’ center is, as expected, one of 14 forwards listed on the NHL’s Team United States projected roster for the upcoming Olympics and was recently on set at the U.S. Men’s Hockey media day.
He’s grown into this leadership role. Matthews recently said he and his teammates are eager to prove the United States is the best hockey country in the world.
“I think there is definitely a lot of motivation for that, and from losing that game. But I think we showed throughout that tournament we’re right there with those guys, and we feel like we’re the best hockey country in the world, and so it’s going to be exciting to have an opportunity to prove that again.”
Matthews’ history with USA Hockey has been ongoing since 2013, when he joined USA Hockey’s under-18 program in Michigan. He has since become a seven-time league All-Star. Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin confirmed that Matthews is a player he can depend on to lead by example.
“I really like Auston,” Guerin said. “I thought he did a great job (at 4 Nations). He’s one of those guys; he doesn’t have to say much. Most guys like that don’t. A lot of the captains I played for or with were like that. They lead quietly by example.”
Furthermore, the Olympics’ own website lists Matthews as the “current poster boy for Team USA ice hockey.” He also noted his appreciation for the league’s new format of encouraging players to participate in the Olympics.
“Everybody’s going to peel off from here and go to their respective teams, but obviously it’s been a while since the NHL has had players in the Olympics,” Matthews said.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a best-on-best format with more than four teams. So, I think it’s just kind of keeping that in mind that we fell short of the goal, but continue to stay with the process, continue to take steps in our personal development, as well as when we come together as a team in February. Be excited for that opportunity again.”
The NHL plans to cancel its annual All-Star Game in 2026 and instead host a “send-off” event for its players going to Milan. Afterward, the league intends to alternate between the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympics every two years, with the All-Star game held in non-event years.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics’ ice hockey competitions will be played from February 5-22 at the PalaItalia and one of the Fiera Milano pavilions. The Olympics as a whole will kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6.
