Auston Matthews speaks out on reception he expects from fans in Toronto.

National Hockey League star Auston Matthews unquestionably achieved the crowning achievement of his professional hockey career thus far this month when he captained Team USA to a huge Gold Medal win over Team Canada in the final of the Men's Hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

It was a tremendous moment for Matthews and his fellow teammates but it was one that in many ways pitted him against the fans that have cheered for him most of his career. Matthews of course is the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL, a team based in Canada, and Matthews achieving his dreams at the Olympics also meant breaking the hearts of millions of Canadians across the country.

Keeping all of that in mind, it is natural to wonder how Matthews will be received by the fans in Toronto on Saturday night. Matthews was asked about that very eventuality on Saturday when speaking to members of the media, and he admitted that it was the last thing on his mind given the struggles his team is currently facing.

"I don't know," admitted Matthews. "We've got great fans, we've got passionate fans. I'm just focused on tonight's game, getting ready for that, doing whatever I can to help our team win for a game that we desperately need."

What kind of reception do you think Matthews will get tonight in Toronto? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.