Auston Matthews’ triumphant return to Toronto could have gone a lot worse.
The Maple Leafs recognized their three Olympians during Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators, their first home game since the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
At the first TV timeout of the contest, fans erupted in applause for Sweden’s William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson — before giving a mixed reaction toward the Maple Leafs captain.
Of course, the star center had more recently captained Team USA to its first men’s hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980 at Canada’s expense.
Jeers sprouted from the crowd as the PA announcer introduced the “gold medalist,” but they quickly evolved into a thunderous cheer as his position and name were called — complete with a standing ovation.
Following Team USA’s climactic overtime victory against its fierce North American rival, Matthews drew criticism up north for visiting President Donald Trump in the White House.
One fan even created an online petition, calling for the Leafs to oust the American from his captainship. In visiting Trump, the petition reads, “he missed an opportunity to stand for the values and beliefs that are important to many Canadians.”
But when presented with an opportunity to let Matthews hear it on Saturday, the Toronto faithful prioritized team pride over the international rivalry.
Matthews, 28, also received a warm welcome in Tampa on Thursday night, met with a brief ovation from Lightning fans as they honored their own Olympians.
The Maple Leafs (27–24–9) have dropped three straight games and will look to rebound at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night.
