Team USA will be looking to claim gold at the 2026 Olympics. But that task will be without one Toronto Maple Leafs forward.
The last time the US won a gold medal at the Olympics, it was with a group of college-aged players who worked harder than anyone else. They beat a veteran Soviet squad that had seen little opposition.
Other American squads came close to glory, like the 2010 team that narrowly lost to Canada in overtime in the gold medal game. Last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off was another example of the Americans coming close, but ultimately falling short.
That’s why this year’s Olympics squad looks to have the best talent available at various positions. That’s why excluding Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies seems like a questionable move. Knies is one of the few true power forwards in today’s NHL. He’s built like a tank and can skate with the best of them.
Knies is the type of player who isn’t afraid of physical play and can cause ruckus in front of the net. That’s just the type of player Team USA needs to go up against Team Canada.
Canada, for its part, built a defense around size and pugnacity. The team also included a couple of forwards not unknown for roughhousing. That’s why the Americans could regret leaving the Maple Leafs forward off their roster.
Who knows, in a tight-checking tournament, the Americans might have wished they had someone with Knies’ attributes in the lineup.
Maple Leafs Forward Could Still Make Team
Unfortunately, injuries could open the door for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rugged winger to make the team. One player, in particular, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, could be a question mark for Milano-Cortina.
Tkachuk was hoping to suit up for the Winter Classic last Friday Night. However, he missed the game as he is still recovering from offseason surgery. So, if Tkachuk isn’t ready for the Olympics, could the Maple Leafs’ Knies take his spot?
Knies has many of the attributes that Tkachuk possesses. While many might point out that Knies and Tkachuk are not the same, they are close enough.
Of course, the plan is for Tkachuk to represent Team USA. But what point does the US squad determine that Tkachuk isn’t ready? Also, at what point does Team USA figure the Maple Leafs’ winger could be an option?
Perhaps Knies isn’t an option at this point. But he has to be on the Americans’ minds in some way.
Knies and Auston Matthews Would Work Well for Team USA
There’s another interesting argument for Knies’ inclusion in Team USA’s roster. Knies and Toronto Maple Leafs teammate Auston Matthews have history and chemistry together. The duo has played well together in the past.
As such, that familiarity could spur Team USA Bill Guerin to give Knies the nod ahead of the Olympics.
While Matthews and Knies haven’t been on the same line together of late, the Maple Leafs are not Team USA. In other words, the American Olympic squad has much more talent than the Leafs do. Adding a playmaker on that line with Matthews and Knies could give the Americans the lift they need.
Ultimately, it’s no guarantee that Knies will get the nod even with injuries befalling the team. But if there’s one guy the Americans may regret passing on, it’s the Maple Leafs’ power forward.
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