Matthews on Team USA, could face Leafs pals
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Auston Matthews discovered for sure on Thursday he’ll add crimson to the white and blue of his common Toronto colors come February.
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The Leafs’ main scorer and the 2021 Rocket Richard Trophy winner was among the many first three beginning gamers named to Crew USA for the Beijing Olympics, becoming a member of Patrick Kane and defenceman Seth Jones.
“An enormous honour,” Matthews stated. “I really feel actually lucky to have represented the U.S. earlier than (at world championships), however the Olympics is the most important stage it will get.”
He may very well be on a collision course with Toronto teammates John Tavares, Mitch Marner and defenceman Morgan Rielly, all thought of to be Crew Canada candidates.
“That will probably be lot of enjoyable,” Matthews stated.
“We’re all extraordinarily shut. I prefer to suppose I do know their sport nicely and so they in all probability say the identical with me. It’s been some time for the reason that U.S. sat on high of that podium. Possibly we are able to change that.”
Matthews has had summer season exercises with Kane, an older, established scorer.
“We’ve skated collectively, however to observe what he does up shut and private is a deal with. I attempt to take what I can for my sport, decide his mind.”
lhornby@postmedia.com