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‘That’d Be Pretty Surreal’: Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies on Dream Opportunity

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 8:30 AM ET

Coming off signing a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, forward Matthew Knies has his eyes on the next big challenge on his horizon.

Knies had a breakout 2024-25 season, recording 29 goals and 29 assists in 78 games, then adding five more goals in the playoffs.

The winger, who signed a six-year, $46.5 million deal on the verge of free agency earlier this offseason, is looking forward to earning a spot on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster. If he does so, he'd reunite with teammate and Leafs captain Auston Matthews on the international stage. Knies shared first-line duties with Matthews for most of last season.

Knies discussed the possibility while appearing on Daily Faceoff's "Morning Cuppa Hockey" show on Thursday.

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“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. “That’d be pretty surreal. I have to earn it. I have to earn the opportunity to make that roster.”

Knies already has one Olympic appearance to his name from Beijing in 2022, when NHL players weren't allowed to participate in the event.

This time, Knies knows the competition for a roster spot will be much tougher with NHL players back in the fold.

“There are a lot of names that deserve to be there and go there,” Knies said. “If I have a strong start to the season and I could show what I can do ... it’d be pretty incredible.”

Matthews was one of the players named to Team USA’s preliminary roster in mid-June.

“(Matthews) is a tremendous leader, teammate, and someone I’ve looked up to,” Knies said. “He’s taught me a lot since I’ve been here, so I can’t thank that guy enough.”

The final U.S. roster will be announced in early January ahead of the Olympics, set to take place in Italy from Feb. 5-22.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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