Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews officially departs and arrives in Detroit for a much better opportunity

After another disappointing playoff season in Toronto, it's certainly a breath of fresh air and a much better opportunity to team up with USA Hockey's best in Michigan, where orientation camp is being held.

Auston Matthews is an elite goal-scorer in the NHL, and just like Dylan Larkin, has been a staple in the USA Hockey organization.

This past season, he was Dylan Larkin's teammate, playing in the 4 Nations Face-off tournament, and would score 3 points (3A) in 3 games. A point-per-game player across the board. The former Rocket Richard Trophy winner in 2023-24 will be the one to lead USA Hockey into its future against Team Canada, Sweden, and others in the 2026 Olympics.

Last season, he scored a total of 78 points (33-45) despite dealing with an injury that had been troubling him since the start of training camp. He'd only play 67 games this year.

Larkin joins the orientation as a 2026 Olympic hopeful after a 4-game stint with Team USA during the Four Nations Face-off.

He'd score 2 points (1-1) in 4 games under Mike Sullivan, who led the USA into battle against Sweden, Canada, and Finland.

Jake Tye of The Hockey News believes that Larkin remains a shoo-in for Team USA, given how well he performed during the 4NF tournament, on the 2nd-line behind Auston Matthews.

He added an extra presence on the ice, performing on the penalty kill, and being the great two-way forward we know in Detroit.

If USA Hockey has any sense, they'll make sure Larkin makes the lineup.

This season, Larkin ended the year with 72 points in 76 games with the Red Wings, and the Michigan-born forward is hungry for a spot in the Olympics and the playoffs.