What could a good Olympic performance do for Auston Matthews?

With the men’s Olympic hockey beginning on Wednesday, now is the time to look at some players to watch. One of the top players to watch on Team USA is Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. The Leafs have had a fairly disappointing season so far. The 2026 Olympics give Matthews a chance to prove he is still a top player in the world. Team USA is absolutely loaded with talent and is expected to medal in the men’s hockey competition.

Does Matthews have a chance to lead the Olympics in goal scoring? Let’s take a look at what a good performance can do for Matthews.

Regaining respect around the world

Over the past couple of seasons, hockey fans have started to doubt Matthews. At one point, he was put on the same level as Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Sidney Crosby. However, his downfall in goal scoring has been a significant factor in losing some respect. Matthews proved during the 2023–24 season that he can be the world’s best goal scorer. The forward scored 69 goals in 81 games, nearly having a 70-goal season. Unfortunately, he fell to only 33 goals the following year.

Matthews will likely be getting top-six ice time for the Americans. He will be playing alongside other superstars like the Tkachuk brothers, Jake Guentzel, and Clayton Keller. Matthews was on the same line as Guentzel during the 4 Nations tournament, which caused a lot of offensive damage. However, it is projected to be Keller on the wing this time instead of Jack Hughes. Keller did not get to play in the 4 Nations; his playmaking abilities will be perfect on a line with Matthews and Guentzel.

The Americans’ schedule plays in favour of Matthews. He should have plenty of opportunities to fill the net during the preliminary competition. They play against Latvia, Denmark, and Germany, who lack the amount of star power the Americans have. All three of these opponents only have a handful of NHLers, with Leon Draisaitl being the biggest threat for Germany.

Solidify a spot in USA hockey history

USA Hockey has not had much global success on the hockey stage. In previous years, they have won the World Junior tournaments, but that is the most significant win they have gotten. They brought home gold in 2024 and 2025, but unfortunately, could not three-peat in 2026. However, USA Hockey did get a huge gold medal win at the 2025 World Championship. This was only their second time winning the tournament. The last win came way back in 1933.

For Matthews himself, he had a golden opportunity to bring home the 4 Nations title to the United States. This would have put USA Hockey on the biggest winning stage in the world. Team Canada was the only team that stood in their way. With the championship game going into overtime, Matthews left Connor McDavid wide open in the slot, which secured the legendary victory for Canada. Going into the 2026 Olympics, Matthews must be ready for a bounce-back performance.

If the USA were able to bring home gold at the 2026 Olympics, it would place them in international hockey history. Matthews will have a chance to be one of the key contributors, getting ice time against the top competitors. Matthews was held goalless during the 4 Nations Face-off, so it is crucial for him to get on the scoreboard early. He was also named captain for Team USA, putting an immense amount of pressure on him.

Build significant momentum for the Leafs

Assuming all goes well for Matthews at the Olympics, the NHL superstar could bring some much-needed momentum home to the Leafs. Going into the Olympic break, the Leafs had won three straight games. They swept the Western Canada road trip, topping it off with a huge win against the Edmonton Oilers. Before that winning streak, the Leafs were abysmal, losing six straight and eight of their last nine. At that point, many were thinking the Leafs were going to sell after the break. However, the recent winning streak has altered some opinions.

Matthews has made the postseason every year in his NHL career. There is no way he wants to miss the playoffs in a year that he is the captain. Matthews has always had a lot of pressure on him, but nothing compares to what he has now. Being the captain for his country and one of the most significant franchises in the NHL is certainly a huge honour. Hopefully, Matthews can rise to the occasion.

The Leafs currently sit just six points out of the playoff race. In the Eastern Conference, it is anyone’s game. The only team that has lost all playoff hopes is the New York Rangers. After the break, the Leafs have three crucial games against Atlantic Division opponents to end the month. These are against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Ottawa Senators. The Leafs are tied with the Senators and have two points up on the Panthers. In order to gain some leeway, these are must-win games.

Do you think Matthews will have a good Olympic performance?