Matthew Knies is setting his sights on representing Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics, hoping to play alongside Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. After an impressive last season where he scored 29 goals and added 29 assists over 78 games, Knies secured a six-year, $46.5 million contract to remain with Toronto. Despite the strong stats showing his potential, Knies remains grounded about the challenge ahead and insists he must earn his place on the Olympic roster through hard work and performance.
Having previously competed for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Knies recognizes the difficulty of making the team but remains motivated by the possibility of joining Matthews on that international stage.
“I mean, obviously it would be a huge honor to make that team and, to get to represent them again on that stage,” Knies said on Daily Faceoff earlier this week [33:26]. “That’d be pretty surreal. I have to earn it. I have to earn the opportunity to make that roster.”
Knies also noted the competitive nature of Team USA’s selection process, emphasizing the need for a strong start to the upcoming season to solidify his chances.
“I know it’s obviously not going to be easy,” Knies said. “There’s a lot of names that deserve to be there and go there. So yeah, it’s going to be challenging. But I think if I have a strong start to the season and I could show what I can do and, and, hopefully, earn my way onto that team, it’d be pretty incredible.”
Challenges Faced by Auston Matthews in Recent Season
On the other side, Auston Matthews experienced a more difficult season compared to his previous campaign. After scoring 69 goals last year, Matthews finished the season with 33 goals while managing to play through an injury. Fortunately, the injury did not require surgery, and Matthews is using the offseason to recover and return stronger.
“Definitely a tough year physically,” Matthews said in May (via NHL.com). “But I’m confident with some time off… and treatment… I’m really confident I’ll be back 100 percent next season…”
Knies Recognizes Matthews’ Leadership and Looks Up to Captain
Since joining the Maple Leafs, Knies has expressed admiration for Matthews, praising his leadership and ability to guide the team. In a May interview, Knies referred to Toronto as the most professional team in the league with a real shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
“He’s a tremendous leader, teammate and someone I’ve looked up to,” Knies explained. “He’s taught me a lot since I’ve been here, so I can’t thank that guy enough.”
Knies’ commitment to Toronto is clear, as he has expressed a strong desire to remain with the team long-term rather than seeking short-term contracts.
“I wanted a longer term,” Knies said.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Upcoming Season
Following yet another early playoff exit, where the Maple Leafs fell to the Florida Panthers in a seven-game series, Knies and his team are eager to rebound. His focus remains on continuing to improve individually while contributing to the team’s success, all while aiming for a spot on the Team USA roster for the 2026 Olympics alongside Matthews.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Auston Matthews hit 70?
A. Auston Matthews did not reach his goal of becoming the ninth NHL player to score 70 goals in one season. However, Nikita Kucherov from the Tampa Bay Lightning achieved 100 assists in one season. This makes him the fifth player in NHL history to reach this milestone. The Lightning won against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a score of 6-4 on Wednesday night.
Q. Is Auston Matthews friends with Connor McDavid?
A. Over eight years have passed, and now Matthews and McDavid are NHL and hockey icons, similar to Ovechkin and Crosby of their era. Each leads their NHL team as captain and represents Team USA and Team Canada, respectively, at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Over time, they have grown to be friends, colleagues, and competitors.
Q. Did Auston Matthews get 70?
A. In Tampa, Florida, Auston Matthews tried to become the NHL’s ninth player to score 70 goals in one season but didn’t succeed. Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov from the Tampa Bay Lightning achieved 100 assists, becoming the fifth player in NHL history to do so. The Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Wednesday night.