Leafs at the 2026 Winter Olympics: A Break from the NHL Grind, But Not from the Action
It’s been a bumpy ride for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season-no sugarcoating that. Injuries, inconsistency, and the weight of expectations have all played their part.
But for a few weeks, Leafs fans get a bit of a reprieve. The NHL hits pause, and the 2026 Winter Olympics take center stage in Milano Cortina.
And while the Maple Leafs may be out of sight, they’re certainly not out of mind. Several key Leafs players are suiting up for their countries, and if you’re looking for something to rally around that doesn’t involve trade rumors or playoff math, this is it.
Let’s take a look at how Toronto’s stars are representing their nations on hockey’s biggest international stage.
Team USA: Auston Matthews Finally Gets His Olympic Moment
It’s been a long time coming, but Auston Matthews is finally an Olympian. NHL players missed out on the 2018 and 2022 Games, and when the league was finally ready to return to the Olympic stage, the pandemic threw a wrench in those plans. But now, Matthews is front and center for Team USA, and expectations are sky-high.
For Matthews, it’s been a grind of a season. He’s battled through injuries and is adjusting to life without longtime linemate Mitch Marner. Still, the Leafs captain has managed to put up 26 goals and 48 points-a testament to his elite talent, even when things aren’t clicking at 100 percent.
Now, he’s got a chance to reset and refocus in a different environment. The Olympic stage is tailor-made for a player like Matthews-big moments, bright lights, and elite competition. And he’s not shying away from the stakes.
“We feel like we’re up there and we should be competing for gold,” Matthews told NHL.com in January. “You want to be obviously the best country in the world. And this is a great opportunity for us.”
This isn’t Matthews’ first taste of international hockey. He’s been productive in every major tournament he’s played-eight goals and 14 points in 12 games at the World Juniors, six goals and nine points in 10 games at the 2016 World Championships, and three assists at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
But this is different. This is the Olympics. And if Matthews finds his rhythm, Team USA could be a real threat to top the podium.
When to Watch Auston Matthews & Team USA:
- **Feb.
12:** USA vs. Latvia - 3:10 p.m.
EST
- **Feb.
14:** USA vs. Denmark - 3:10 p.m.
EST
- **Feb.
15:** USA vs. Germany - 3:10 p.m.
EST
Team Sweden: Nylander and OEL Ready to Lead
William Nylander: Back in Form, and Hungry for Gold
William Nylander’s season has been a roller coaster. He’s missed 17 games-the most in any season of his career-but when he’s been on the ice, he’s been electric. Despite the time off, he leads the Maple Leafs with 52 points, including 18 goals.
Now, he’s suiting up for Team Sweden in his first-ever Olympic appearance. And make no mistake-he’s expected to be a driving force if the Swedes are going to contend.
“Playing with Team Sweden and playing against the best players in the world at an Olympics is something that doesn’t happen too often,” Nylander said in January. “It’ll be a first for me, so I’m going to be very excited for it.”
Nylander is no stranger to international play. Across 30 junior tournament games, he’s racked up 46 points. At the senior level, he’s added 40 points in 27 games, with a gold medal from the 2017 World Championship and a bronze from 2025 already on his résumé.
When asked whether anything short of gold would be a disappointment, his answer was blunt:
“Same for Sweden.”
That’s the mindset of a team that knows it can win-and of a player who’s ready to lead.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: A Resurgence Worth Celebrating
Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s career has come full circle. After a couple of tough seasons in Vancouver, where injuries and inconsistency clouded his future, the veteran defenseman found new life with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24. He helped stabilize their blue line en route to a Stanley Cup and has since become one of the most reliable defensemen on the Leafs’ roster.
Now, at 34, he’s back on the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, when he helped Sweden capture silver.
“First off, I’m healthy,” OEL said. “That sounds simple, but it’s the truth. When you get [your confidence] back, you can start playing more freely and naturally.”
OEL brings a wealth of experience to Sweden’s back end. Across 11 international tournaments, he’s racked up seven medals and 44 points in 66 senior-level games. He’s won just about everything there is to win in international hockey-including back-to-back golds at the 2017 and 2018 World Championships.
And now, he’s got one more shot at Olympic gold.
“Any time you can play for your country, it’s a special thing.”
When to Watch Nylander & Ekman-Larsson with Team Sweden:
- **Feb.
11:** Sweden vs. Italy - 3:10 p.m.
EST
- **Feb.
13:** Sweden vs. Finland - 6:10 a.m.
EST
- **Feb.
14:** Sweden vs. Slovakia - 6:10 a.m.
EST
A Welcome Distraction for Leafs Nation
Let’s be honest-this Olympic break couldn’t come at a better time for Leafs fans. The NHL season has been a roller coaster, and the stress of the playoff push is looming. But for now, there’s a chance to hit pause, throw on your country’s colors, and enjoy some world-class hockey.
Whether you're cheering for Matthews and Team USA, Nylander and OEL with Sweden, or just hoping for some highlight-reel moments, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.
So settle in, enjoy the ride, and keep an eye on your Leafs as they chase Olympic glory. The NHL grind will be waiting when it’s over-but for now, let the Games begin.