Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Shows Admiration, Respect for Canadian Rival Turned Friend

Maple Leafs captain and top dog for Team USA Auston Matthews shows a lot of respect for his Canadian counterpart Connor McDavid at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

As the 4 Nations Face-Off continues, we are just hours away from what promises to be the most electric matchup of the tournament so far: Canada vs.

the United States.

Both teams boast a plethora of superstars with the the USA led by captain Auston Matthews , also the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Canadians' most dynamic player is the best in the world, Connor McDavid.

Many are not aware, but Matthews and McDavid have become good friends over the course of the last several years, dating back to their 2016 World Cup of Hockey appearances for Team North America.

Since then, the pair have kept in touch and train together in the offseason.

This week, from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Matthews shared his thoughts on the evolution of his relationship with McDavid, as well as McDavid's incredible hockey IQ, as per LeafsLatest on X: 'He is who he is because of the work ethic he puts in, and he's obviously a special talent with the consistency and everything like that.

I just find anytime I spend time with him, I'm always learning different things.' McDavid is not only friends with Matthews but also spoke highly of fellow Canadian Mitch Marner , expressing excitement about the opportunity to play with him before the tournament started .

They are currently on the first line together with Sam Reinhart .

McDavid is enjoying yet another incredible season, with 71 points in 49 games -- though it might be considered a 'down year' for him, which is hard to believe.

Matthews has battled injuries this season and is also experiencing a dip in his usual point production, with 25 goals and 45 points in 40 games.

However, he has found a more well-rounded game under new Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube .

Regardless of how Matthews and McDavid perform in tonight's clash, both teams have rosters filled with some of the most talented players in the world.

However, it's a safe bet that both players will be electric.

This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission..

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