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Team USA forward Auston Matthews (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Matthews’ Advice, Nylander’s Status & Kämpf

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 12:55 PM ET

The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins on Wednesday, and a few familiar Toronto Maple Leafs are in the mix. Some are setting examples off the ice, some are battling injuries, and some are quietly slipping into roles where they could make a bigger impact than expected.

Here are a few things you should know when the puck drops.

Item One: Auston Matthews Weighs in on Only-Sport Hockey

If you’re spending every weekend and summer camp trying to turn your 10-year-old into the next Auston Matthews, here’s a reality check: stop. Young hockey players need a break. The tournaments, the endless grind, the pressure to never miss a session, it’s all crushing kids before they even hit their teens. At least, so says Matthews.

Arguably one of the best goal scorers on the planet, Matthews laid it out clearly at the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Orientation Camp. He believes young people should play other sports, take breaks, and not overdo hockey. He didn’t live at the rink 24/7. In fact, he didn’t even focus solely on hockey until he was 13. His take is that baseball, tennis, and soccer all helped him become the athlete he is today.

The message is simple but powerful: elite talent doesn’t come from constant grind; it comes from balance, variety, and love for the game. Maybe it’s time to let kids pick up a tennis racket, a soccer ball, or just hang out at a nearby court and shoot a little hoop. If Matthews says downtime matters, it might be worth listening.

Item Two: Is William Nylander Ready? Team Sweden Isn’t Sure Yet

Team Sweden is keeping everyone guessing on William Nylander’s status for Wednesday’s game against Italy. He skipped Tuesday’s practice in Milan, managing the same groin issue that sidelined him for seven NHL games before his return on Jan. 31.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Sweden head coach Sam Hallam described it as “a maintenance thing.” Nylander made it through two full practices but felt sore afterward, so the decision might not come until right before puck drop. If he can’t go, former Maple Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg or Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson are the likely substitutes. The key takeaway is that Sweden wants Nylander in the lineup, but they’re not going to risk making the injury worse.

Item Three: David Kämpf Suiting Up for Team Czechia

Former Maple Leafs center David Kämpf has become a player who thrives in international competition. He’s never flashy, but in a short, high-pressure event like the Olympics, he becomes invaluable. Coaches love him because he wins draws, kills penalties, and keeps the game steady. These are the things that fans often don’t see on the scoresheet, but help teams win.

Kämpf has plenty of international experience, with three World Championships and two World Juniors under his belt. And when he puts on the Czech jersey, he’s often a bit of an offensive surprise, too. He’s the kind of centre who can swing a tight Olympic game, making the plays that keep a team in control. Czechia will lean on him heavily, even if he isn’t the headline-grabbing star.

What’s Next for Maple Leafs Olympic Players?

Matthews is busy giving wisdom and inspiration off the ice, while Nylander’s status could shift at the last moment. Kämpf is ready to make a difference for Czechia. For Maple Leafs fans, all three will be worth watching, whether they’re scoring, setting the tone, or just keeping things under control. The Maple Leafs’ influence on the Olympic ice may be subtle, but it could be huge.