Maple Leafs star winger snubbed from USA's Olympics roster

"The USA Olympic team is filled with size and grinders. They announced players such as Brock Nelson, JT Miller, and Matt Boldy. These are players who play a similar way to Matthew Knies. However, Knies adds more of a scoring touch than both Miller and Nelson. This season, Knies has contributed to 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 37 games, nearly a point per game."

"Matthew Knies played in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, as NHL players were not able to compete. In four games played, Knies tallied two points, one goal, and one assist. But the presence he would have brought is more than just his scoring touch. Although the Americans lost in the Quarterfinals to Slovakia, Knies would have brought Olympic experience, something nearly all the members of the roster have not experienced. Knies knows how to play under pressure and for something bigger than just themselves."

Matthew Knies did not make Team USA's 2026 Olympic roster despite a season of 11 goals and 25 assists (36 points) in 37 games and prior Olympic experience. Team USA selected larger, gritty forwards like Brock Nelson, JT Miller, and Matt Boldy who play a similar physical style. Knies combines physical edge and emotional intensity with more scoring upside than those alternatives. He offers momentum-changing heavy play and familiarity with Olympic pressure from the 2022 Beijing Games. Team USA opens Group C play on February 12 against Latvia, with Denmark and Germany also in the group, and Auston Matthews competing for the U.S.

Read at Editor In Leaf