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Auston Matthews would be better off skipping the 2026 Olympics

Auston Matthews is projected to serve as Team USA's captain at the 2026 Olympics, but could be better off sitting out the grueling tourney.

Auston Matthews is set to serve as Team USA's captain at the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina. | Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews is a lock for Team USA’s squad at the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

Yes, he’s the no-brainer choice to lead the American squad on a quest to replicate the 1980 Miracle on Ice.

But for Maple Leafs fans, the club would be better served if Matthews stayed up.