Auston Matthews is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time, the stakes feel different. The Toronto Maple Leafs star is donning the red, white, and blue as captain of Team USA, and he’s set to anchor one of the most dangerous lines in the tournament alongside Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy.
At 28, Matthews is right in his prime-and his numbers this season back that up. With 26 goals and 48 points through 51 games for Toronto, he’s been a consistent offensive force.
But this isn’t just about NHL stats. This is about international pride, Olympic gold, and a chance to lead a stacked American roster to a place it hasn’t been since 1980: the top of the podium.
“It’s obviously a huge honor and privilege to be able to represent your country,” Matthews said back in January. “There are a lot of things you’re excited about… I’m looking forward to, first and foremost, the hockey and being able to compete like that.”
And compete he will. Matthews’ line with Guentzel and Boldy is already turning heads at practice, and for good reason.
Boldy’s been a breakout star for the Minnesota Wild this season, racking up 32 goals and 62 points in 54 games-good enough to crack the NHL’s top 15 in scoring. Guentzel, meanwhile, has been heating up with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying 26 goals and 60 points in 55 games.
Put those three together, and you’ve got a line that can tilt the ice every time they hop over the boards.
Head coach Mike Sullivan isn’t tipping his hand just yet when it comes to who’s starting in net for Thursday’s opener against Latvia, but all signs point to Connor Hellebuyck getting the nod. The veteran netminder has long been the backbone of Team USA’s goaltending depth, and he’s expected to carry the load in Milan.
This marks Matthews’ first Olympic appearance-a long-awaited moment for a player who’s been at the heart of American hockey for nearly a decade. The NHL’s return to the Olympics has opened the door for a U.S. squad that’s deep, skilled, and hungry to end a 46-year gold medal drought.
“I think we feel like we’re up there,” Matthews said. “We should be competing for gold… You want to be the best country in the world, and this is a great opportunity.”
Here’s how Team USA is expected to line up against Latvia:
Forwards:
- Brady Tkachuk - Jack Eichel - Matthew Tkachuk
- Jake Guentzel - Auston Matthews - Matt Boldy
- Kyle Connor - Dylan Larkin - Tage Thompson
- Jack Hughes - Brock Nelson - Vincent Trocheck or JT Miller
Defense:
- Quinn Hughes - Charlie McAvoy
- Jaccob Slavin - Brock Faber
- Jake Sanderson - Zach Werenski
Goaltender:
- Connor Hellebuyck (projected starter)
There’s no shortage of firepower here. The top line of the Tkachuk brothers flanking Eichel brings grit, skill, and plenty of edge.
The Matthews-Guentzel-Boldy trio offers elite scoring and puck possession. And the bottom six is anything but “bottom”-Jack Hughes centering a fourth line?
That’s just unfair.
On the blue line, the U.S. boasts a mobile, puck-moving corps led by Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy. Slavin and Faber offer a shutdown pairing, while Sanderson and Werenski round out a group that can transition quickly and contribute offensively.
This is a team built not just to compete, but to win. And with Matthews leading the charge, the U.S. is entering Milan with confidence-and gold squarely in their sights.