The chorus of boos conducted during the American national anthem has been heard across arenas in Canada this weekend, marking a growing trend in response to the United States’ newly imposed tariffs on Canadian imports – including inside Scotiabank Arena.

Matthews, 27, led the NHL with 69 goals last season and won the Hart Trophy in 2021-22, when he scored 106 points in 73 games.

Auston Matthews will serve as captain for the United States in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, and his team is the only one involved without a glaring injury question to answer.

Matthews was named captain of the Maple Leafs on Aug. 14, taking over for John Tavares, who passed along the role to star forward. Matthews is the 26th captain in the club's history and the first US-born player to wear the "C' for Toronto.

Matthews was named the captain of Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the international best-on-best tournament that will pit the US, Canada, Sweden and Finland against each other in Montreal and Boston from Feb.

Auston Matthews has never been able to represent the United States in best-on-best international hockey competition. It’s a situation many of the game’s top stars find themselves in, but that’s about to change at the 4 Nations Face-Off next month.

"I didn't see any other option. The puck was rolling. It was the beginning of the period so the tape was fresh. I know, I almost had it," the Maple Leafs' captain said following their 5-3 win over the Lightning.