Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews And William Nylander Booed By Montreal As Players Were Introduced At 4 Nations Face-Off

Matthews joined Team Finland captain Aleksander Barkov during pre-game ceremonies of the opening game between Canada and Sweden.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is no stranger to hearing boos at the Bell Centre.

And that was no different on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament between Team Canada and Sweden, the two captains from the remaining nations (United States and Finland) were introduced as part of a pre-game ceremony at the Bell Centre.

Team Finland captain Aleksander Barkov was called first, signaling his appreciation to the crowd as he drew a mixed reaction when he stepped foot on the ice, followed by Team USA captain, Matthews.

As Matthews’ name was called, donning the American blue, red, and white, loud boos could be heard throughout the arena – likely fueled by the presence of both passionate Canadian fans and a strong contingent of Montreal Canadiens supporters unwilling to show love for the Maple Leafs' leader.

Still, the 27-year-old gave a brief smile and wave to the crowd.

While it was expected that the American captain wouldn’t be embraced in Montreal, the reaction was a reminder that NHL rivalries, especially one as storied as Leafs/Habs, don’t take a break – even during international competition.

If Wednesday’s reaction from the crowd was any indication, Matthews can expect another hostile welcome when he takes the ice against Barkov and Team Finland on Thursday – once again at the Bell Centre.

And that remained true with Swedish forward William Nylander, as Matthews wasn’t the only Leaf to hear it from the crowd. Representing Team Sweden, Nylander also received a round of boos when his name was announced as part of the starting lineup.

The 28-year-old seemed unfazed by the boos, flashing a grin as the announcer called his name.

Taking in the loud atmosphere, Nylander had predicted as much when speaking to the media on Tuesday, comparing the environment to a Leafs-Canadiens game in Montreal.

“Probably something like a Leafs-Montreal game here. Very, very amped up. A lot of fun. You're buzzing going into the game. So, I mean, it's very exciting,” said Nylander. 

Nylander and Sweden will play once more in Montreal, set to face off against Finland at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 before heading to Boston for the remainder of the tournament.

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