If there's one thing Toronto Maple Leafs fans can take from the 2026 Winter Olympics, it's that Auston Matthews has what it takes to win it all. And if anyone doubts it, Jack Hughes is ready to set the record straight.
After Team USA's thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, where Hughes scored the golden goal, the New Jersey Devils captain didn't hold back in defending his teammate and national captain.
Hughes passionately stated, “Auston Matthews is a winner. He's an Olympic gold medalist. That’s what the media in Toronto should be talking about.”
Throughout the tournament-and during the Leafs' challenging season-Matthews faced criticism. Questions about his leadership, his status as one of the NHL's top centers, and his role as Team USA's captain have been swirling.
But Matthews silenced the doubters with his stellar performance. He excelled in the medal round, taking on the toughest opponents. In the gold medal showdown, he was tasked with shutting down stars like Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and Nathan MacKinnon-and he delivered.
Matthews tied for second among American scorers, with seven points in six games, matching Jack Hughes and trailing only Quinn Hughes.
There's no denying it now: Matthews has proven he can lead a team to victory on the biggest stage.
He'll be back in action with the Maple Leafs next Wednesday, facing the Lightning and Panthers in a back-to-back showdown in Florida.