With the puck about to drop on men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the buzz is real-and for good reason. NHL players are back in the Olympic mix for the first time since Sochi 2014, and that alone has fans across the globe fired up.
But if you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, there’s even more reason to tune in. Three key Leafs are set to represent their countries on the sport’s biggest international stage: Auston Matthews for Team USA, and William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Team Sweden.
Let’s break down what to expect from each of them as the tournament gets underway.
Auston Matthews: Leading the Stars and Stripes
All eyes will be on Auston Matthews, and not just because he’s the Leafs’ captain-he’s also wearing the “C” for Team USA. That’s a big-time honor, and it speaks volumes about how he’s viewed by players and coaches around the league.
Matthews didn’t find the back of the net at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, but he still made an impact with three assists. Now, the Americans are counting on him to take it up a notch-and potentially lead them to gold.
Matthews is projected to center the top line for Team USA, flanked by Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy. Guentzel’s been thriving in his second season with Tampa Bay, putting up 26 goals and 60 points in 55 games.
Boldy’s numbers are even better-32 goals and 62 points in 54 games. Add Matthews’ elite shot and two-way game to that mix, and you’ve got a top line that’s built to score and control play.
And it doesn’t stop there. Matthews is also expected to anchor the top power-play unit alongside Guentzel, Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Zach Werenski.
That’s a group loaded with firepower and creativity. If they click, they could be downright lethal with the man advantage.
For Matthews, this is a chance to not only lead but to solidify his place among the game’s international elite.
William Nylander: Sweden’s X-Factor-If Healthy
William Nylander enters the Olympics with a bit of uncertainty. He’s dealing with a groin injury and is listed as questionable for Sweden’s opener against Italy. The hope is that he’ll be ready to go by Friday’s showdown with Finland-a much tougher test.
When he does return, Nylander is expected to slot in on Sweden’s top line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Adrian Kempe. Eriksson Ek has quietly put together a strong season with 15 goals and 40 points in 52 games, while Kempe has chipped in 20 goals and 46 points in 56 games.
Solid linemates, no doubt-but Nylander is the offensive engine here. With 52 points in just 40 games this season, he’s been one of the most dynamic players in the NHL, and the Swedes will need that spark if they’re going to make a deep run.
While there’s no official word yet on where Nylander fits into the power-play setup, it’s hard to imagine him not being on the top unit when healthy. Sweden’s first group currently features Eriksson Ek, Elias Lindholm, Lucas Raymond, Mika Zibanejad, and Rasmus Dahlin.
That’s already a skilled unit, but slotting in Nylander could take it to another level. His ability to create space and generate offense in tight quarters is tailor-made for Olympic ice.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: The Veteran Presence on Sweden’s Blue Line
While Matthews and Nylander may grab more headlines, Oliver Ekman-Larsson brings something unique to the table: Olympic experience. He was part of Sweden’s silver-medal squad back in 2014, and now, 12 years later, he returns as one of the elder statesmen on the blue line.
At 34, Ekman-Larsson is in a different role than he was in Sochi. He’s no longer the young up-and-comer-he’s the steady veteran who’s seen it all. While his exact pairing hasn’t been confirmed in the most recent lineup projections, he was previously expected to skate alongside Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Andersson, 29, has had a solid season-11 goals and 34 points in 56 games-especially considering he was traded midseason and had to navigate a wave of trade rumors before landing in Vegas. If this pairing sticks, it could be a smart blend of experience and youth. Ekman-Larsson’s hockey IQ and calm presence could complement Andersson’s puck-moving ability and offensive instincts.
What It All Means for Leafs Fans
For Toronto fans, this tournament offers a unique look at three key pieces of the Leafs’ puzzle performing on the world stage. Matthews has the chance to lead a star-studded American squad and show he can be “the guy” in a high-pressure international setting.
Nylander, if healthy, could be Sweden’s top offensive weapon. And Ekman-Larsson brings veteran leadership to a Swedish blue line that will face stiff tests as the tournament progresses.
There’s no telling how far their respective teams will go, but one thing’s for sure: Leafs fans will be watching closely. Not just to cheer on their guys, but to see how their games translate when the stakes are at their highest. The Olympics are back-and with NHL talent in the mix again, it’s going to be a show worth watching.