Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane is predictably disappointed the NHL had to back out of the 2022 Olympics but seems to be particularly upset he can't join forces for the United States with Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews.
"We stay in touch throughout the season and got a lot of respect for him as a player, how good he is at scoring goals, his shot, just his overall game," Kane said of Matthews, NBC Sports Chicago's Charlie Roumeliotis reports.
"He’s become one of the best players in the league, so would’ve been huge to have that type of player on the U.S. team and maybe get a chance to play with him as well. Hopefully, we can get a chance to play together in the future, another big tournament, and have that opportunity."
Team USA would've sent arguably its deepest roster ever to Beijing to capture its first gold in men's hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Kane represented the stars and stripes at the 2010 and 2014 games, but he knows the younger generation of American stars, led by Matthews, had a strong chance to do something special.
"I just think in general, for USA Hockey, we would’ve put together a pretty competitive team, and that’s disappointing," Kane said. "I don’t think that’ll change four years from now, but would’ve been fun to have that opportunity and welcome the next generation of USA hockey players and be able to be part of that."
Matthews hasn't had the chance to play an international tournament since breaking into the NHL in 2016. He suited up and dazzled for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey before his rookie season, but there hasn't been a best-on-best tournament since.
The reigning Maurice "Rocket" Richard winner was a virtual lock to be Team USA's top center, and Kane was a shoo-in for a top-six role on the right wing in what may have been his final chance to compete at the Olympics. The three-time Stanley Cup winner will be 37 if the NHL is able to go to Milan in 2026.
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