‘He just commands respect’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews embracing USA leadership role at 4 Nations Face-Off

The Americans had plenty of options to wear the captain’s C at the 4 Nations Face-Off. But few players understand how to deal with pressure more than Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

It takes a lot to be a leader on a fanbase where every detail is scrutinized. However, for Matthews, opportunities like this can make him stronger. Now, representing the United States in a best-on-best competition for the first time, Matthews has a chance to chase gold with one of the deepest lineups the nation has ever assembled at any hockey event.

“I think these are the moments that you dream of and think about when you’re a young kid playing hockey,” Matthews told reporters during a media availability earlier this week. “So, just embracing everything that comes with it and enjoying it, making the most of it because you never know how many opportunities like this you’re going to get.”

Matthews took over as captain of the Maple Leafs ahead of the 2024-25 season, replacing John Tavares in the role. The Leafs currently sit second in the Atlantic Division, three points behind the Florida Panthers, despite Toronto playing two fewer games.

“Playing in Toronto, I’ve loved my time there. It comes with a lot of stuff like this and a lot of responsibility, but I love it,” Matthews said.

His international resume in recent years might be small, but the former USA Hockey National Team Development Program star has always been a threat every time he has represented his country. He had nine points in 10 games at the 2016 World Championship, just a few months after scoring seven goals and 11 points at the World Juniors. He won two golds at the U-18 World Championship (and was named MVP in 2015), and helped USA win gold at the 2016 World Juniors.

Since then, Matthews has played in the playoffs in every NHL season, having won just one series.

“Being able to play in a tournament like this, a situation like this, with the great players and representing your country, it means a lot,” Matthews said. “I think the pressure and stuff is just what comes with it. I think it’s just a lot of excitement, a lot of pride and honor that goes into being able to represent your country and have the opportunity to play in tournaments like this.”

The three-time Rocket Richard winner has the respect of his American teammates, as well.

“You can tell the familiarity he has with the guys here and just someone who’s so respected,” defenseman Adam Fox said. “I think he’s never going to really seem like the rah-rah yell at you, at least early in the practice here. But the way he is on the ice, the way he is in the locker room, the way around the hotel and everything, he just commands that respect. I think everyone has it for him and the way he plays and the way he handles himself.”

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