Could another Maple Leaf join Auston Matthews on Team USA? New projection says yes
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/624798.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews is already a lock on Team USA for the Olympics, but a new projected roster shows that he might not be the only Maple Leaf who'd make it.
With the Winter Olympics set to take place in 2026, the NHL is headed back after a hiatus in 2022. It's the ultimate test of international supremacy and we're expected to see incredible efforts from teams like Canada, Sweden, and the United States among several others.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have some representation in the tournament, with William Nylander and potentially Oliver Ekman-Larsson for Sweden, we may see John Tavares on Team Canada, and Matias Maccelli should dress for Finland in the Olympics.
But the biggest name that's already a lock is Auston Matthews for Team USA as he was one of the six already named to the roster as the rest of the players will be selected in due time.
Auston Matthews may see a Knies addition to Team USA
While he's struggling this season, there's no doubt he's still one of the top American players in the world, and alongside the other powerhouses on Team USA; he could find himself with gold at the end of things.
He may not be alone though, as there could be one more Maple Leaf joining him according to one roster projection.
Bleacher Report put out their preliminary projected rosters for Team USA with them having Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies as an extra forward who could fight for a lineup spot:
Size and handedness will be necessary for the U.S. regarding the extras. The collective health of their players will matter as well, which is why we pick Thompson and Knies for the last two spots...
Knies, meanwhile, is a classic power forward player on the wing, and being a left shot, as opposed to Thompson's right shot, gives him the ability to work the other side of the ice.
Both players are having tremendous seasons, and if Team USA opts to reward players for stepping up now, then I like their chances.
Knies, meanwhile, is a classic power forward player on the wing, and being a left shot, as opposed to Thompson's right shot, gives him the ability to work the other side of the ice.
Both players are having tremendous seasons, and if Team USA opts to reward players for stepping up now, then I like their chances.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Knies suit up for the red, white, and blue however does he have a better chance than names like Cole Caufield or Alex Debrincat?
Why Matthew Knies deserves an Olympic roster spot
While he hasn't been scoring at a rapid rate, Knies has showcased a lot more fight and toughness this season not to mention a wild knack for playmaking.
You'd think for a guy who is 6'3, 230+ pounds he isn't the best with his hands, but he's shown that not only can he keep the puck on his stick, but find then open teammate wherever they are on the ice.
Knies just turned 23 and he's already one of the best power forwards in the NHL, and this season has been a fantastic bit of growth for his overall game.
In 28 games for the Maple Leafs this year, he has 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) with a plus-three and only eight PIM. He's also added 12 blocks and 73 hits in 20:08 TOI.
If the United States wants to take advantage of the Olympic ice size, adding Knies would be a great start. He can skate all over without a problem, lay in crushing hits, cause goalies chaos and help names like Jack Eichel, Jake Guentzel, and even Auston Matthews come out of the tournament strong.
It was a goal this season for Knies to make the Olympics, and he's done everything he can to throw his name into consideration and at least deserves a look.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16|1556 ANSWERS Could another Maple Leaf join Auston Matthews on Team USA? New projection says yes Does Matthew Knies deserve an Olympic roster spot for Team USA? | ||
| Yes | 1158 | 74.4 % |
| No | 398 | 25.6 % |
| List of polls | ||