With the NHL returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, the hockey world is buzzing - and for good reason. The international stage is set in Milan, and fans are about to witness the best-on-best showdown that’s been missing from the sport for over a decade. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, three of their own will be suiting up for their respective countries: Auston Matthews for Team USA, and William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Team Sweden.
Let’s break down how each of these players has performed this season and what their roles might look like as they gear up for Olympic action.
Auston Matthews: Team USA’s Two-Way Weapon
There was never a doubt Auston Matthews would be wearing the red, white, and blue in Milan. The three-time Rocket Richard winner continues to be one of the most lethal finishers in the NHL, and he’s heading into the Olympics riding a serious hot streak - 11 goals and 8 assists in January alone.
But Matthews’ game isn’t just about filling the net. Under Craig Berube’s system in Toronto, Matthews has evolved into a true two-way center.
His usage tells the story: nearly equal time in the offensive (41.8%) and defensive (40.8%) zones. That’s not typical for a top-line goal scorer, but it speaks to the trust he’s earned.
He’s also fourth among NHL forwards in blocked shots with 68 - not something you usually see from a guy leading the goal-scoring race.
For Team USA, that balance is exactly what they’re banking on. The forward group is built with purpose - not just star power, but structure.
That’s likely why Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield were left off the roster. Matthews is projected to center the second line alongside Matt Boldy and Jake Guentzel.
Boldy brings energy and skill, while Guentzel’s playoff pedigree and four-point performance at the 4 Nations tournament make him a perfect complement.
Expect Matthews to anchor the top power play unit, potentially reuniting with Jack Hughes - a duo that showed flashes of chemistry at the 4 Nations. But unlike that tournament, where Matthews posted three assists in as many games, Team USA will need him to be a finisher. They’re counting on his scoring touch to show up when it matters most.
He did miss a game recently with a minor injury, but he’s looked sharp since returning. This is a prime opportunity for Matthews to not only lead his country but to shed any lingering narrative about his postseason performances. The Olympics are the biggest stage in the sport - and the spotlight doesn’t get brighter than this.
William Nylander: Sweden’s X-Factor
William Nylander’s inclusion on Team Sweden was as predictable as Matthews’ for the U.S. The Toronto winger never misses a chance to represent his country, and he’s had some memorable moments in the blue and yellow. Just ask anyone who watched the Leafs’ 2023 trip to Sweden, where Nylander stole the show with five points in two games - including an overtime winner.
Last season was a career year for Nylander, with 45 goals and a second-place finish in NHL scoring behind Leon Draisaitl. But his showing at the 4 Nations tournament was relatively quiet - just two assists in three games, and no goals.
This year, he’s taken a bit of a step back in the goal column, with 18 goals through 40 games. Still, considering the Leafs’ struggles and his own injury issues - the longest absence of his career - Nylander leads the team in points with 52. That tells you all you need to know about his value.
Originally, Nylander was expected to slot in on Sweden’s top line with Jesper Bratt and rising star Leo Carlsson. But Carlsson is out after undergoing surgery in January, and defenseman Jonas Brodin is also unavailable. Those are two major blows to Sweden’s gold medal hopes.
Still, if there’s one thing international hockey has taught us, it’s that anything can happen. And Nylander has the kind of game that can turn a tournament on its head.
If he catches fire, Sweden’s offense could be more dangerous than expected. Like Matthews for the U.S., Nylander will be leaned on heavily to produce - and he’s shown before that he can handle the pressure.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: A Veteran’s Last Ride
Now here’s a storyline few saw coming. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is back on Team Sweden for the first time since the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
Back then, he was a 22-year-old rising star. Now, over a decade later, he’s in the twilight of his career - but playing some of his best hockey in years.
In 57 games with the Leafs this season, Ekman-Larsson has tallied eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points. That puts him on pace for 48 points over a full 82-game season - his second-best career total if he gets there. His best year came in 2015-16 with Arizona, when he posted 55 points.
Initially named as a depth piece for Sweden, Ekman-Larsson is now expected to see real minutes with Brodin sidelined. He’s likely to slot in on the third pairing, bringing veteran stability and puck-moving ability to a blue line that suddenly needs both.
This could very well be the last time Ekman-Larsson represents his country on the international stage. And after the season he’s having, it’s a well-earned honor. He’s been one of the few bright spots on an underwhelming Leafs team, and now he gets a chance to close out his international career with one more shot at gold.
Final Thoughts
With Matthews, Nylander, and Ekman-Larsson all heading to Milan, Leafs fans will have plenty to watch when the puck drops on February 11. Each player brings something different to the table - Matthews with his two-way dominance, Nylander with his dynamic offensive flair, and Ekman-Larsson with his veteran poise.
Whether any of them emerge as tournament standouts remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: their performances will be pivotal to their countries’ chances.
The stage is set. Now it’s time to see who rises to the moment.