As speculation rises over which players may decide to sit out the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews will be suiting up for Team

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.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews didn’t hold back his frustration with the Scotiabank Arena crowd following Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthews' comments came within the context of a fight between Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves and Columbus' Mathieu Olivier.

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.

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.

With the 4 Nations Face-Off quickly approaching, William Nylander has fired a playful little warning shot at Maple Leafs teammate Auston Matthews. This

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.

"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.

On Wednesday, ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs facing the Wild later tonight, Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin, who is also the GM for Team USA at the Four Nations Face-Off, confirmed that Auston Matthews is ready to play in the upcoming tournament.