Maple Leafs Auston Matthews Is Selke Trophy Material
For years, Auston Matthews has been pegged as a goal scorer. And after a season of flirting with 70 goals, it’s hard to look past that. But at the Olympics, he reminded everyone he’s a 200-foot player. He doesn’t just put pucks in the net; he shuts down the other team’s best, even when that other guy happens to be Connor McDavid.
Matthews had the toughest hockey assignment in the world and did it well.
In the gold medal game, Matthews had the toughest assignment in hockey: contain McDavid. And he did it without breaking stride. McDavid, the tournament MVP, came up empty. Meanwhile, Matthews still finished second in Team USA scoring with seven points in six games. Think about it: he was effectively asked to chase the best player in the world while still being an offensive contributor, and he delivered on both fronts.
This side of Matthews rarely gets the spotlight. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t make highlight reels or trending clips. But it’s exactly what wins championships. He made smart reads, closed lanes, and took responsibility for every loose puck in his zone. It’s the kind of play that quietly tilts games and keeps stars off the score sheet. Honestly, he deserves serious consideration for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward. He’s showing that he can score at an elite level while being a defensive anchor — a combination few in the league can touch.
Matthews showed his leadership front and center.
What stood out even more was his leadership. Matthews didn’t just play hard; he organized, communicated, and set the tone for his teammates. Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes were quick to point out his impact, but anyone who watched the tournament closely saw it. He’s evolving into the kind of player who leads by example, on both ends of the ice.
And here’s the kicker: this is just the beginning. Matthews has already proven he can dominate offensively; now he’s starting to define himself as a complete player, one who can control the game from start to finish. Toronto fans have long wanted him to carry more responsibility, and the Olympics offered a glimpse of what’s coming.
The takeaway is simple: Auston Matthews isn’t just a scorer. He’s a game-changer, a defensive force, and a growing leader. If he keeps building on this version of himself, the Maple Leafs aren’t just getting their scorer back — they’re getting a complete player capable of shaping games in ways no highlight reel can capture.