Matthews has looked closer to himself since returning to game action on January 4 against the Boston Bruins – his second full comeback of the season. In the 11 games back in the lineup, Matthews has recorded at least a point in nine of those appearances – registering nine goals and six assists for a 15-point total.

Auston Matthews will lead a new generation of American stars at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain will wear the ‘C’ for the United States at the upcoming best-on-best tournament.

Among the NHL teammates who will be on opposite benches during the 4-Nations Face-Off include Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Matthews, who grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz., will be representing the USA while Nylander will be representing his native Sweden.

Maple Leafs superstar is the Americans’ most gifted scorer on what should be a deep Team USA at next month’s best-on-best tournament.

With the NHL getting ready to shut down soon for the first ever 4 Nations Face-Off, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander was asked if there were any side bets among teammates that will be going up against each other.

Jared Spurgeon and Marat Khusnutdinov scored in the first period, Filip Gustavsson stopped 31 shots, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1.

Matthews and Nylander both scored two goals as Toronto battled back from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits in the third period to beat New Jersey 4-3.

There was much speculation about Auston Matthews ' non-participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain has been confirmed to feature for Team USA after a meeting with Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin ahead of their game against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.

Squaring off with nearly identical records entering Wednesday’s contest, the Toronto Maple Leafs were presented with a key opportunity to get out of a rut against a quality Minnesota Wild team, with a four-game road trip on the horizon before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Leafs answered our poll. In part 1, we reveal the teammates most Leafs would like to be stuck with in an elevator, and more.

Mitch Marner knows everything that comes while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The spotlight can be extremely tough yet rewarding when the team succeeds.