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Auston Matthews breaks his silence on Matthew Knies being snubbed by Team USA
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be playing for Team USA, although his teammate, Matthew Knies, won't be, and it has led to some heavy debate.
Auston Matthews is one of the best players in the NHL when he is on top of his game. His performance against the Winnipeg Jets is proof of this.
In fact, he was recently named to the Team USA roster for the Winter Olympics, and the fans are very excited about this.
Unfortunately, Matthews' teammate in Toronto, Matthew Knies, ultimately got snubbed by USA Hockey, and there have been some debates about this.
Recently, the Leafs' captain was asked about the Knies situation and whether or not he feels the forward should have made it.
Auston Matthews on Matthew Knies' snub
This led to a very diplomatic answer from Matthews, who clearly didn't want to ruffle any feathers.
While he was quick to call Knies a great player, he refused to let on to the idea that he should have made the team. Instead, he is leaving it up to the bosses.
I mean, I think he's played great this year, and he's a great young and up-and-coming player. I think there's going to be guys that get left off that made a good case to be on it. I mean, there's just so many players from so many different countries that are great players that are having great seasons, and you kind of leave it in the hands of the general managers that are directing the team. I'll kind of leave it up to him, but obviously, selfishly, I'd love to see him be on the team.
At the end of the day, making an Olympic Roster is no easy task. There are always going to be guys on the outside looking in.
Even players like Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield were left off the roster, which was seen as a major oversight, all things considered.
Only time will tell whether or not Team USA ends up regretting its decision to keep Knies off the team.