Like Him or Not, Matthews’ Teammates Love Him

In a post-practice interview, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies said something that really sticks with you as a fan. He was asked how he’d greet Auston Matthews when he gets back from the Olympics. Without missing a beat, Knies said he’d give him a big hug. Then he laughed and added, “I don’t know if the Canadian guys will do the same, but we’re happy for him.”

Knies Response to the Question Tells Much About What He Feels

It was a light, honest, and genuine interview. The kind of thing that cuts through all the noise about Matthews and leadership in Toronto. Fans debate his quiet style, wonder if he’s vocal enough, and worry about playoff performance. But his teammates clearly see something else.

They respect him. They appreciate what he brings. Knies wasn’t reading from a script; he was just speaking from the heart. “We miss him a lot,” he said. “I’m waiting on him to come back so I can do it in person.” That’s not fake. That’s a locker room that still has its captain’s back.

As Interesting, Knies Believes the Maple Leafs Make the Playoffs

Knies also talked about the stretch run, and he didn’t sound frustrated. He sounded ready. “We’ve been waiting around to play now,” he said. “Excited to get down to Tampa and get it started again.” Even with the break and the injury recovery, he’s still managing. He feels like he’s in a good spot. He thinks it’ll hold up through the rest of the season. Here’s the revealing part. He said, “Hopefully in the playoffs and stuff.”

No grand promises, no big speeches. Just a young player who believes the team can still do something when everyone is back together. That belief clearly includes Matthews, too. No resentment, no side-eye about the extra time off or the Olympic hype. Just teammates looking forward to having their captain back in the room.