NHL News: Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews’ teammate, determined to chase bigger dreams after this season

Matthew Knies, forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs and teammate of Auston Matthews, is aiming high this season—not just chasing a Stanley Cup but also targeting a spot on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics. With Mitch Marner no longer on the roster, Knies is expected to play a major role in the Leafs’ offense and hopes to build on his breakout 2024-25 campaign.

The young power forward feels ready to compete among the NHL’s elite and is motivated to elevate his game even further. However, his ambitions extend beyond team success to international glory, underscoring his dedication and long-term focus.

Speaking candidly on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast, Knies expressed his Olympic aspirations: “Obviously it would be a huge honour to make that team and to get to represent them again on that stage, that’d be pretty surreal.“

He added: “I have to earn the opportunity to make that roster and I know it’s not gonna be easy, there’s a lot of names that deserve to be there. It’s gonna be challenging, but I think if I have a strong start to the season, I can show what I can do and hopefully earn my way onto that team.”

Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Matthew Knies: Hopeful Olympian

Knies represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics, a year when the NHL didn’t participate. At the time, still playing collegiate hockey, he stood out as one of Team USA’s key contributors, recording two points in four games (1 goal, 1 assist). His international experience also includes competing in the World U-20 Championship, where he further sharpened his skills on the global stage.

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Rising power forward in the NHL

In the 2024-25 season, Knies posted an impressive 58 points in 78 games, scoring 29 goals and assisting on another 29. This blend of scoring ability and physicality defines him as a prototypical power forward.

This past summer, the Arizona native secured his future with the Leafs by signing a six-year, $46.5 million contract extension. Knies is now firmly positioned as a cornerstone of Toronto’s offensive strategy moving forward.