Maple Leafs Star Forward Named Potential Olympian by Top NHL Insider
As the Olympics set to include NHL players in the 2026 Winter Games, one Maple Leafs forward has become quite the talking piece as a potential roster member.
The Winter Olympics are known for having some legendary teams in its tenure, many of them including some of the greatest NHL players to ever live. Who could forget the heroics of Sidney Crosby in 2010, or the Mario Lemieux-led 2002 contingent?
But the 2026 version is going to lack a lot of the stars from 2010, and certainly none from 2002. So who exactly is next up to be the hero for their country?
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, one Maple Leafs player has made a case for being a Olympian; even if he hasn't been around long.
Matthew Knies: Team USA?
In an article for The Athletic, LeBrun gave some predictions over who could make the Olympics next year after being snubbed from the 4 Nations. One player he mentioned was Toronto's Matthew Knies.
LeBrun states:
This is probably a long shot, especially given that he's only completing his second full NHL season, but what I would say is this: If the Maple Leafs were to go on a deep playoff run (I know, I know), there's no question in my mind that the 22-year-old Knies will have distinguished himself in said run.
He's getting his third taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and his game and 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame are meant to translate to this time of year. So, this is all tied to the Leafs finally getting over the hump, but if they do, it could really bump Knies up the Olympic radar.
He's getting his third taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and his game and 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame are meant to translate to this time of year. So, this is all tied to the Leafs finally getting over the hump, but if they do, it could really bump Knies up the Olympic radar.
A strong playoff run certainly would help Knies' case, but the onus lies on the rest of the team too, and he can only do so much.
A swift exit from the playoffs shouldn't deter Team USA GM Bill Guerin from taking a serious look at adding Knies; a player reminiscent of Big Bill himself.
It's only been two full seasons and Knies has shown he has the makings of a potential superstar, and one of the world's best. Already declared a 'unicorn' by many for his offensive and physical abilities, it feels like we've barely scratched the surface on an already impressive NHL career.
In 73 games, Knies has 52 points (26G, 26A) but adds a ton of physicality with 179 hits, and only a minus-1 rating, but is a crucial reason why Toronto's top line hasn't completely imploded with Auston Matthews struggling to score.
It's not a shock to say that Matthew Knies definitely earned himself a look for the US Olympic team next season, but if he does get passed over due to his youth; he's setting himself up nicely to be a huge part of the team once he's paid his dues.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9 | 386 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Star Forward Named Potential Olympian by Top NHL Insider Is Matthew Knies good enough to make the US Olympic team? | ||
| Yes | 372 | 96.4 % |
| No | 14 | 3.6 % |
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