Auston Matthews' New Relationship Goes Instagram Official After Olympic Gold
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, fresh from his triumphant performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, appears to have not only secured a gold medal but also a new romantic partner. The hockey star, known for his on-ice prowess and typically private off-ice life, has sparked speculation after Vanessa Piunno shared photos with him on Instagram, suggesting their relationship is now public.
From Olympic Glory to Personal Milestones
Matthews played a pivotal role in Team USA's victory over Team Canada in overtime, finishing the tournament with three goals and four assists to claim the gold medal. While his athletic achievements have dominated headlines, his personal life has remained largely under wraps. Prior to the Olympics, he was reportedly in a long-term relationship with Emily Ruttledge, a licensed therapist based in Santa Monica, California, as reported by Sports Illustrated. However, since the gold medal win, Ruttledge has not publicly congratulated Matthews on social media, leading to rumors that their relationship may have ended.
Vanessa Piunno Shares Intimate Moments
On Tuesday, Vanessa Piunno posted a series of images on Instagram featuring herself with Matthews in the Olympic Village in Italy. The photos, captioned "A month to remember forever" with two hearts, depict the couple enjoying time together during the Winter Olympics. Piunno's Instagram bio identifies her as a skincare specialist operating between Vancouver and Toronto, running her own company, Piunno Beauty. Her website emphasizes personalized, educational skincare training, stating, "I believe skin care should feel empowering, not intimidating and that learning works best when it’s tailored to you."
Fan Reactions and Speculation
The post quickly caught the attention of Maple Leafs fans, with one sharing the picture on X and others reacting positively to the new relationship. Comments ranged from supportive to humorous, with one fan noting, "They’ve been a thing for a while but kept it lowkey," while another added, "Seems pretty obvious this would happen he spends most of his time there and has been in the league for a decade now." A third fan humorously remarked, "Mexican – American dating a Canadian this guy’s bringing all of North America together."
This development marks a shift for Matthews, who has historically been reserved about his love life despite his high-profile status. As he continues to excel on the ice, fans are now eagerly watching his personal journey unfold, blending athletic success with newfound romance in the public eye.
