Auston Matthews is basically the face of the NHL right now. Since he first stepped onto the ice in Toronto and potted four goals in a single game, the spotlight has been relentless. When you're the captain of the Maple Leafs, people want to know everything. They want to know what you eat, what brands you wear, and yeah, who you’re dating.
Naturally, the question is Auston Matthews gay pops up in search bars and on Reddit threads more often than you'd think. It’s part of the modern celebrity package. If a high-profile athlete keeps their private life under lock and key, the internet starts filling in the blanks.
The truth is pretty straightforward. Auston Matthews has never identified as gay. In fact, he’s been in a long-term relationship with a woman named Emily Ruttledge for years.
The Reality of Auston Matthews' Personal Life
He’s private. Like, really private. In a city like Toronto, where the media will literally track a player’s grocery list, Matthews has managed to keep his inner circle tight. This vacuum of information is usually where rumors start to grow.
People see his interest in high fashion—the Gucci suits, the Saint Laurent fragrances, the Vogue features—and some make outdated assumptions based on stereotypes. It’s a bit silly, honestly. Just because a guy knows how to dress doesn't mean anything about his orientation.
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Who is Emily Ruttledge?
If you want to look at the facts, you have to look at Emily. She isn’t some "red carpet" girlfriend trying to get famous. She’s actually a highly accomplished professional in her own right.
- Background: She’s from Arizona, just like Auston. They’ve known each other since they were kids.
- Career: She’s a primary therapist with a Master’s from Pepperdine.
- Dynamics: They’ve navigated a long-distance relationship while she pursued her clinical psychology career in California and he stayed busy scoring 60 goals a season in Ontario.
They don't post "lovey-dovey" photos every day. You won't find them doing TikTok challenges together. They’re low-key. Because of that, some fans who aren't paying close attention might assume he's single or "hiding" something. He isn't. He's just protecting a relationship that started long before the multi-million dollar contracts.
Why the Question Keeps Coming Up
Hockey has a complicated relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. For a long time, the sport was a "don't ask, don't tell" environment. When Luke Prokop came out as the first openly gay player under an NHL contract in 2021, it was a massive deal.
Matthews was actually one of the first superstars to reach out. He sent Prokop a text that said, "Hey, it's Auston Matthews. I wanted to congratulate you. I look forward to sharing the ice with you someday."
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Prokop later mentioned how much that meant to him. When the best player in the league has your back, it changes the vibe of the whole locker room. Because Matthews is such a vocal ally, some people mistakenly interpret his support as a personal coming out. It’s not. It’s just leadership.
The Justin Bieber Factor
Then there's the friendship with Justin Bieber. They’re tight. They hang out in Muskoka, they collaborate on jersey designs, and they’re often seen together at events.
In the weird world of internet speculation, two famous men being close friends often triggers "shipping" or rumors. But again, it’s just a high-profile friendship between two guys who understand what it’s like to have the world watching them.
Dealing with the Spotlight in 2026
Being the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2026 is a different beast than it was twenty years ago. The scrutiny is constant. Every time Matthews changes his hair or wears a specific hat, it’s a news cycle.
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He’s handled the is Auston Matthews gay speculation the way he handles most things: by ignoring it and playing hockey. He doesn't feel the need to "prove" his heterosexuality, nor should he have to. He lives his life, supports his community, and keeps his relationship with Emily out of the tabloids.
Understanding the Difference Between Allyship and Identity
It's kinda important to distinguish between being a member of a community and being an ally. Matthews has shown up for Pride nights (even when the league made things difficult with the jersey bans a few years back) and has consistently used his platform to make hockey feel more inclusive.
- He supports his teammates.
- He supports the fans.
- He keeps his private life private.
For some, the mystery is the point. They want there to be a "secret" because it makes the story more interesting. But the reality is much more "normal." He’s a guy from the desert who became a king in the North, dating his childhood friend and trying to bring a Stanley Cup to a city that’s been waiting since 1967.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the career of "Papi," here’s how to navigate the noise:
- Check the source: Rumors on X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok "blind items" are rarely based on fact.
- Respect the privacy: Athletes don't owe the public every detail of their dating life.
- Focus on the impact: Matthews' support for players like Luke Prokop is more significant than his own dating preferences. It shows the league is changing for the better.
- Verify dating history: If you're curious, look for established reports on his long-term partner, Emily Ruttledge, rather than speculative forum posts.
The most accurate answer to the question is that Auston Matthews is a straight man who happens to be a very strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community. He’s been with Emily for years, and while they value their privacy, they aren't "hidden." He's just a guy doing his job at an elite level while trying to keep some parts of his life just for himself.