The Team USA is all set to face Sweden today before the most crucial match against Canada in the 4-Nations Finals. However, it was at this moment when fans were preparing for the game, the news broke and stunned the entire hockey community! And let’s just say, it’s got a lot of USA supporters feeling a certain way. Well, just before the start of the game, Team USA surprised everyone with a twist regarding the captain, Auston Matthews.

Just before the puck drop, Elliotte Friedman hit X with some breaking news that had USA fans on edge. “USA will play one short tonight. Kreider/Sanderson for Matthew Tkachuk/McAvoy. Auston Matthews is battling something, so [he] will rest tonight and play Thursday.” And let’s just say—that was enough to send the fanbase into full-on panic mode.

Then came the NHL News, doubling down with another gut punch: “Auston Matthews OUT tonight for USA vs Sweden. Americans will play with 11/6, per @FriedgeHNIC.” And just like that, worry levels skyrocketed. Matthews missing a game this late in the tournament? Yeah, that’s big news, and not exactly the kind USA fans were hoping for.

One fan summed up the collective panic in just four words: “rest well my cap.” And let’s be honest—failing to have Auston Matthews at this stage? That’s a massive deal. Matthews was the guy in his draft class, the undisputed top prospect, and the Toronto Maple Leafs had no hesitation in making him their first round selection. And when he hit the NHL?

He did not simply turn up–he created history by scoring four goals in his first match in the modern-era player. Talk about a legendary entrance. But that was just the beginning of it as many more people joined the bandwagon of users who had various concerns for the captain, Auston Matthews.

Auston Matthews’ absence concerns fans!

Another fan joined in the discussion about Auston Matthews and said, “they don’t want me to see him score and I’m mad about it.” And honestly? Can you blame them? Sure, Matthews has not scored a goal in this tournament yet, but he’s still making plays, notching an assist in two games. And let’s not forget—this guy is basically a goal-scoring machine. He collected Maple Leafs records; eight consecutive seasons of scoring thirty goals and six seasons of scoring forty goals.

And, by the way, he is one of only nine players in the history of the NHL with more than one 60-goal campaign. He was rather nonchalant last year as he scored 69 goals to be at the top of the league. Yeah, the guy is built different. So no wonder fans commented, “GIRL WHAT IS GOING ON WHY IS EVERYONE OUT 😭😭” Because let’s be real, it is not only Auston Matthews who is not playing, Matthew Tkachuk, is also sidelined because of an injury he sustained during the game against Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. It is quite a bitter pill to swallow for the fans.

Another fan chimed in with their opinion, “Auston Matthews should be resting for the next 6 days and out of the tourny if his injury is affecting him that much… Giving the team that gave him 13.25M per is more important than playing Defense for the States.” And, of course, we understand that it is a great privilege to play for his country, but let us recall that in 2023, Matthews signed a four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $13.25 million per year. That is a rather large amount of money, and the Leafs are going to expect their big investment to be in top form.

Even though Matthews might want to be present on the Team USA roster, the NHL understands how valuable their asset is and how crucial it is to have him fit and available for the entire tournament. But wait—there’s more! Another fan added to the discussion with the opinion, “They should let Jeremy Swayman play forward.” And you know what? Jeremy Swayman is not new to making such big decisions as well! It was only on October 6, before the Bruins were to play their first game of the season against the Florida Panthers, that Swayman signed an eight-year, $66 million contract.

With so many last minute replacements for Team USA, would they able to play half as good as they have been on the ice so far? Or, is it just a team riding on the skills of the star players? Do let us know.