Maple Leafs forward says Mikko Rantanen is the key to his Olympic dream
Photo credit: The Dallas Morning News
A Toronto Maple Leafs forward is turning heads by revealing which NHL star he is trying to model his game after as he pushes for a spot on Team USA's 2026 Olympic roster, and the name he chose will surprise some.
Matthew Knies admitted during an appearance on Daily Faceoff's Morning Cuppa Hockey that he looks up to Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen, pointing to the Finnish star's size, skill, and poise as traits he wants to bring into his own game.
While he stopped short of comparing himself directly to Rantanen, the forward explained that watching the 28‑year‑old dominate games has shaped how he approaches training and development.
This Leafs forward says Mikko Rantanen's size and skill set the standard for his Olympic push
In the interview, he said:
«A guy I like to look at is Mikko Rantanen. He's strong, he scores, he moves the puck well, he's poised. That's the type of player I'd love to be like.»
His comments come as Toronto's roster adjusts under new head coach Craig Berube, who has pushed his young players to refine their decision-making and wall play. Berube's influence, combined with the forward's Rantanen-inspired focus, could help elevate his game at a crucial time.
According to NHL.com, Rantanen's own game has been praised for his blend of power and finesse, a mix this Leafs forward hopes to capture as he enters a key contract year.
Even Sportsnet noted how Toronto's emerging talent must lean on big-bodied skill players to break through in the East.
With the 2026 Olympics approaching, the forward knows making Team USA will take a strong start and a complete game built around power, pace, and playmaking.
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