Auston Matthews Reveals His True Feelings About Matthew Knies' Olympic Chances
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton - Imagn Images
With USA Hockey having unveiled their orientation camp roster for the 2026 Olympic Games, Auston Matthews opens up about Matthew Knies' invitation.
USA Hockey has been exponentially growing over the last decade and we saw first hand what it would look like when they went head to head with Team Canada when they faced off against one another at this year's 4-Nations Face-Off.
Both teams were fully loaded and while the Americans came out on top during the round robin tournament, the Canadians returned the favour in the championship game.
The talent that the Americans possess is otherworldly, so just being invited to their orientation camp for the Olympic Games is an achievement on it's own, and one that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies won't take lightly.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a successful sophomore season, whereupon he scored 29 goals and 58 points in 78 regular season games, before adding 5 goals and 7 points in the playoffs. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a 6-year contract extension this past summer, further cementing his role in the coming years.
Knies will be joining Auston Matthews as the other Maple Leaf invited to the orientation camp, and the latter had some glowing remarks for his linemate and potentially future Olympic teammate, as reported by The Hockey News' David Alter.
I think it's well deserved. He's a great player, and he's still coming into his own. He's only going to get better.
I know he's really looking forward to the opportunity. It'll be a good time for everybody to just get together and be in that kind of atmosphere with a bunch of other elite players.
Matthews was one of the first 6 players named to the American roster earlier in the year, however it will be stiff competition for Knies, considering the depth they have at the forward position.
Knies was always expected to play a large role in 2025-26, however after Mitch Marner's departure, it opens up even more possibilities for the Arizona native to showcase his talents to USA Hockey.
If he can get off to a hot start next to Matthews, the decision makers for Team USA will have no choice but to give him an extended look before they have to officially name their roster for the 2026 Olympic Games.
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