Leafs fans send a message to Auston Matthews after Team USA's victory, and we weren't expecting that
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Sam Walker
Feb 22, 2026 (11:31)
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Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews wins Team USA gold over Canada, and Toronto Maple Leafs cheers spark a real split inside Leafs Nation.
Toronto’s captain just did the unthinkable for a Canadian market, he beat Canada when it mattered most.
The U.S. took the Olympic final 2-1 in overtime, with Jack Hughes ending it 1:41 into extra time.
Connor Hellebuyck slammed the door with 41 saves, and Canada ran out of answers late.
Matthews wore the “C” for Team USA, and that detail is exactly why this hit different in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs posted a simple congrats, “Our Captain,” with a blue heart and a photo.
That’s normal for most NHL teams, but Toronto is not most teams, especially when Canada is the opponent.
In the replies, some Canadian Leafs fans didn’t just chirp, they acted like the club crossed a line by celebrating a win over its own backyard.
You could feel the whiplash, the Leafs were asked to pick a side, and they picked their captain.
Auston Matthews puts the Toronto Maple Leafs in a bind
Leafs fans are used to chaos, but this one feels personal because it’s Canada versus the guy wearing your “C.”
Here’s the part people forget, Matthews has been Toronto’s engine all season, sitting at 26-22-48 through 51 games.
The Leafs, meanwhile, are 27-21-9, so every ounce of belief in the room matters right now.
A gold medal can sharpen a captain’s edge, louder voice, calmer shifts, harder details.
It also makes the next debate unavoidable, how do you back the crest while cheering a captain who just broke Canadian hearts?
Toronto posted the congrats because leadership is leadership, and they want that swagger back in a Leafs sweater fast.
Now the real test is what Matthews does next, because the season restarts, and the city will be watching every stride.
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