Auston Matthews’ new girlfriend Vanessa (Instagram)

Auston Matthews finally has his Olympic gold, and the noise that once followed him in Toronto feels quieter now. Auston Matthews delivered when it mattered most at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, scoring three goals and adding four assists to power Team USA’s attack. When the final horn sounded after overtime against Canada, the weight he had carried for years seemed to lift.For a player often judged by what he has not won with the Toronto Maple Leafs, this tournament offered clarity. Matthews was central to everything the Americans did well. He drove play, created space, and produced in big moments. And when Jack Hughes buried the overtime winner against Canada men’s national ice hockey team, securing the program’s first Olympic gold since 1980, Matthews’ fingerprints were all over the run. An, now Matthews has a new girlfriend, Vanessa.

Auston Matthews’ new girlfriend Vanessa Piunno: Who she is and how their relationship went public

The celebration did not end on the ice. Days after the gold medal game, Matthews quietly confirmed another change in his life. On March 3, Vanessa Piunno shared a series of intimate photos on Instagram, wrapping her arms around the Leafs captain in Milan as he wore his gold medal. Her caption read, “A month to remember forever ❤️❤️,” and it left little room for doubt.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Piunno is Toronto based and runs her own skincare company, Piunno Beauty. According to her website, “Today, I offer private 1:1 skincare trainings and courses designed for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a skincare enthusiast, or someone looking to deepen your knowledge and confidence. My approachis personal, thoughtful, and rooted in education. I believe skincare should feel empowering, not intimidating, andthat learning works best when it’s tailored to you.“She has since given followers small glimpses of their life away from the rink. One Instagram Story showed a bowl of seasoned braised beef. Another revealed the finished dish, sweet potato braised beef gnocchi topped with shredded cheese. It was simple, warm, and personal. A reminder that even elite athletes return home to ordinary moments.The timing drew attention. Matthews had previously been linked to Emily Ruttledge, a licensed therapist based in Santa Monica. When there were no public congratulations during the Olympic run, speculation grew. Piunno’s post effectively confirmed a new chapter.Matthews remains private by nature. He rarely shares details beyond hockey. Yet this week felt different. With a gold medal secured and his contract keeping him in Toronto for the next four years, stability seems easier to find. On the ice, he answered critics who questioned whether he could lead a champion. Off it, he appears settled.Gold medals tend to silence debates. They also mark turning points. For Matthews, Milano Cortina delivered both.