Auston Matthews Wife: Truth About New Girlfriend Vanessa in 2026
Auston Matthews is currently at the peak of his career, fresh off leading Team USA to a historic gold medal at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. While his performance on the ice has been legendary, his personal life has also taken a dramatic turn. For fans searching for “Auston Matthews wife,” the status remains single, but the Toronto Maple Leafs captain has officially confirmed a new woman in his life.
Is Auston Matthews married? No, as of 2026, Auston Matthews is not married. However, he has officially moved on from his long-term relationship with Emily Ruttledge. In early March 2026, Matthews “hard-launched” his new relationship with Toronto-based entrepreneur Vanessa Piunno.
AUSTON MATTHEWS: 2026 OFFICIAL PROFILE
| Marital Status | Single (In a Relationship) |
| Girlfriend | Vanessa Piunno (Hard Launched March 2026) |
| Vanessa’s Career | Entrepreneur & Skincare Specialist (Piunno Beauty) |
| Location | Toronto based (Vanessa) & Scottsdale (Auston) |
| Olympic Status | 2026 Gold Medalist (Team USA Captain) |
| Contract Details | Signed through 2027-28 (Toronto Maple Leafs) |
| Ex-Girlfriend | Emily Ruttledge (Split in early 2026) |
| Memorable Event | Jersey swap with Jason Kidd (March 8, 2026) |
Who is Vanessa Piunno? (The New Girlfriend)
The mystery of Auston’s romantic life was solved on March 3, 2026, when Vanessa Piunno shared a series of intimate photos on Instagram. The post, captioned “A month to remember forever ❤️❤️,” showed the couple celebrating in Milan following the USA’s 2-1 overtime victory against Canada.
- Profession: Vanessa is a certified skincare specialist and entrepreneur. She runs Piunno Beauty, a Toronto-based company that offers private 1:1 skincare training and courses.
- The Toronto Connection: Fans are particularly excited because Vanessa is based in Toronto. This has sparked rumors that Matthews—who is under contract with the Leafs through 2027-28—might be planning to stay in the city for the long haul.
The Breakup with Emily Ruttledge
For years, Auston was linked to his childhood sweetheart from Arizona, Emily Ruttledge. Emily, a licensed therapist, had been his pillar of support since his early NHL days. However, the couple maintained a long-distance relationship between Toronto and California, which reportedly became difficult to manage.
Speculation about their split began when Emily did not post any congratulations after Auston’s Olympic win in February 2026. With the public reveal of Vanessa Piunno, it is now confirmed that the long-term chapter with Emily has officially closed.
Olympic Gold and White House Honors
The year 2026 has been a rollercoaster for Matthews. After winning the first Olympic gold for U.S. men’s hockey since 1980, he visited the White House to meet President Donald Trump. While the visit was a “special honor” for the captain, it led to mixed reactions back in Toronto, where some fans booed him during his first game back at Scotiabank Arena.
However, Matthews has handled the noise with his usual calm demeanor, focusing on his new relationship and the push for a deep playoff run with the Maple Leafs.
Auston Matthews: Relationship & Life FAQ 2026
Who is Auston Matthews’ new girlfriend in 2026?
What does Vanessa Piunno do for a living?
Why did Auston Matthews and Emily Ruttledge break up?
Did Auston Matthews meet with Jason Kidd recently?
How long is Auston Matthews’ current contract with the Leafs?
What’s Next for Auston and Vanessa?
In March 2026, the couple is frequently spotted in the Toronto fashion and culinary scene. Vanessa’s presence at games has become a “good luck charm” for some fans. While there are no wedding bells yet, the relationship seems serious, with Vanessa sporting a “Team USA” jacket with Matthews’ name and number during their travels.
Do you think having a Toronto-based partner will finally convince Auston to retire as a Maple Leaf? Let us know in the comments.
