Team USA’s Quinn and Jack Hughes praised Auston Matthews‘ leadership after they captured gold at the 2026 Olympic Games. USA defeated Canada 2-1 in a thrilling game that required overtime to determine a winner.
The Milano Cortina Games marked the first men’s Olympic hockey tournament since 2014 to feature NHL players. For Team USA, the win had a much greater meaning. It marked their first Olympic gold medal win in men’s hockey since the famous ‘Miracle on Ice‘ in 1980.
Matthews, Team USA’s captain, entered the Olympics with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. They lost to Canada in last year’s NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, so redemption was on the players’ minds. There was also the narrative surrounding Matthews in meaningful games after falling short with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the postseason.
After Team USA’s Olympic triumph, the Hughes brother made sure to let the media know how great Matthews’ leadership was. The Leafs captain was asked whether the gold medal would help him upon his NHL return during. Both Hughes brothers quickly interjecting, saying he will now be recognized as a winner and a leader.
“I’m trying to live in the moment,” Matthews said during Team USA’s post-game press conference.
Jack Hughes added, “Doesn’t matter what anyone says, now Auston Matthews is a winner.”
Quinn Hughes also chimed in, taking a shot at the Toronto media:
“That’s what the media in Toronto should be talking about. Auston led us to a championship.”
“I don’t have anything else to say,” Matthews concluded.
Italy a Good Luck Charm for Maple Leafs Captains at Olympics
Italy appears to be a good luck charm for Maple Leafs captains on their Olympic journeys.
At the 2006 Olympics in Torino, then-Leafs captain Mats Sundin led Sweden to a gold medal. He faced similar criticism in Toronto, as the Leafs failed to reach the Stanley Cup finals. The Eastern Conference finals were the furthest Toronto reached during his time with the organization.
Now, in 2026, current Leafs captain Matthews led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey. He accomplished this during the same season he passed Sundin as the Leafs’ all-time leading goal scorer.
Matthews Opens Up About Team USA’s Gold Medal Win
GettyMILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Gold medalist Team United States poses during the medal ceremony following the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Matthews also shared his immediate reaction after Team USA defeated Canada in overtime to win the Olympic gold medal. The American captain was at a loss for words as he reflected on the emotional victory.
Jack Hughes’ scored the overtime-winning goal to win the gold medal. During a post-game interview with CBC, Matthews expressed his excitement about winning for his country. He spoke about the team’s close bond and said it was a special moment.
“Man, it’s so special. Just to feel this feeling, to play for your country, and to do it in this kind of fashion. I mean, I don’t even know what to say. It’s unbelievable, it’s so special,” Matthews said. “[We] had just a resilient group. Top to bottom, we’re a team. It doesn’t matter who gets it done, it’s all about the team first. There’s not just one individual. It’s just a special group of guys and we’re all so close.”
He added:
“We came so close last year at the 4 Nations and even closer here. And, it’s just such an incredible feeling. It feels so good.”
Quinn and Jack Hughes Praise Auston Matthews After Team USA’s Olympic Triumph