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Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; United States players including Auston Matthews (34) of the United States and Connor Hellebuyck (37) of the United States celebrate with their gold medals after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Matthews, Tavares, Stamkos & Restart

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 1:20 PM ET

Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally get back to business after the Olympic break, and they’re doing it against a familiar foe: the Tampa Bay Lightning. Auston Matthews comes home wearing gold after captaining Team USA to Olympic glory in Milan-Cortina. The Maple Leafs are six points out of the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and with 25 games left, every point matters.

A win tonight isn’t just another notch in the record; it’s a chance for Matthews to ride the momentum of international success into a late-season surge. The team’s stretch run is about to begin in earnest, and having a captain who just led his country to a championship gives the Maple Leafs a boost that goes beyond stats.

Item One: Can Auston Matthews’ Golden Touch Rub Off on Toronto?

It’s hard to overstate what Matthews’ Olympic experience means to him and how it might trickle down to the Maple Leafs. Not only did he lead Team USA to gold, but he also added another leadership feather to his cap, and his teammates noticed. Morgan Rielly, watching from the Maple Leafs’ facility, called it “best-case” to see your captain reach that milestone. Head coach Craig Berube echoed the sentiment. He believes it’s a big boost for the team, no doubt.

Toronto’s captain isn’t just a morale symbol. With 26 goals and 48 points, Matthews and William Nylander (18 goals and 52 points) are carrying the team’s offensive engine. He’s the one the opposition watches on every shift, and if his Olympic run lights a fire under the rest of the squad, the Maple Leafs’ stretch run could suddenly feel a lot more dangerous. The confidence of leading a team on the world stage, then returning to the NHL, can be infectious. Every team knows you can’t underestimate the boost it gives your locker room.

Item Two: John Tavares Expected to Suit Up Against Lightning

After missing practice on Tuesday with the flu, John Tavares is expected to be ready for tonight’s clash in Tampa Bay. The 35-year-old center hasn’t been at full speed over the past day, but sources indicate he should be good to go, slotting between Matias Maccelli and Nylander on the second line.

Tavares’ availability is a welcome sight for Toronto. The veteran center brings not just scoring ability but stability and leadership down the middle. Heading into a back-to-back has raised questions about how much he’ll see against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, but for now, the focus is on making the trip to Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry makes a save against Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Even a day off from practice can make fans nervous, but Tavares’ history suggests he’s likely to push through the illness. It’s not uncommon for a veteran of his calibre to show up for a big game despite a minor illness. If he does, the Maple Leafs will be leaning on him heavily as they try to restart their season with a strong stretch run.

Item Three: Stamkos and Tavares: GTA Kids Who Shared the Ice

Speaking of Tavares, I would love to see him and Steven Stamkos in a Maple Leafs jersey at the same time. Two kids from the Greater Toronto Area, practically growing up in the same rinks, skating against each other and then together on stacked youth teams. The idea of a reunion in Toronto would feel like a fun twist of hockey nostalgia.

Tavares grew up in Mississauga, Stamkos in Unionville/Markham — about 40 minutes apart along the 401. They first crossed paths around age nine in minor hockey. According to one report, Stamkos’ Markham Waxers beat Tavares’ Mississauga Senators 5–3, and both kids scored a hat trick. They weren’t best friends, but they were part of the same elite hockey ecosystem, running in the top AAA and summer-league circuits where the GTA’s best young players collided.

Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

The real connection happened around age 11 when they both suited up for a summer team called the Ontario Blues. Over a couple of seasons, that team went roughly 49-0-1, featuring future NHLers like Alex Pietrangelo, Michael Del Zotto, and Cody Hodgson. Both boys wore number 19 back then, but Stamkos’ dad made him switch to 91.

Their time together built a mutual respect that’s lasted into their NHL careers. Seeing them line up side by side for the Maple Leafs would be a full-circle moment — a chance to watch two long-time GTA hockey mates share the ice in blue and white.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

With the Maple Leafs back in the thick of the playoff chase, every game from here on out counts. The team will need Matthews’ and Tavares’ scoring touch and leadership, and a renewed push from the rest of the team. With games against divisional rivals like the Lightning and Panthers looming over the next two days, every contest will feel like a mini-playoff game.

Injuries, illnesses, and puck luck will matter more than ever. The Maple Leafs are playing for a spot in the standings, but they’re also chasing momentum and a chance to prove the team can still make some noise in the postseason. Tonight’s restart against the Lightning is just the first step.