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Matthew Knies gets a huge slap in the face from USA Hockey


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Alexander Cole
January 2, 2026  (9:48)
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Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (23) scores on Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Merilainen (1) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies was just denied the opportunity of a lifetime, despite his statistics showcasing the best season of his career.

Matthew Knies has been having a solid season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points, Knies is almost averaging a point per game.
Although he has had his fair share of slumps throughout the season, there is no denying that he remains one of the best players on the team.
On Thursday, he had an assist against the Winnipeg Jets, and he continues to show the fans that he is one of the best up-and-coming power forwards in the league.
Unfortunately, his performance wasn't enough to get him a spot on Team USA. He attended their camp back in the Summer, but still, it just wasn't good enough.

Matthew Knies denied a spot on Team USA

This morning, Team USA announced its Olympic roster, which features Auston Matthews, among some other American superstars.
Unfortunately, for Knies he was one of many snubs. Even Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield didn't make the team, which feels pretty egregious.
It just goes to show that Team USA had a very specific criteria for the team, and in the end, Knies just did not fit the bill for whatever reason.
F Cole Caufield #GoHabsGo
F Matthew Knies #LeafsForever
F Chris Kreider #FlyTogether
F Jason Robertson #TexasHockey
F Alex Tuch #Sabrehood
D John Carlson #ALLCAPS
D Adam Fox #NYR
D Lane Hutson #GoHabsGo
D Jackson LaCombe #FlyTogether

Perhaps this is a snub that is going to motivate Knies going forward. Aftrer all, these kinds of things have been known to motivate guys into becoming better players.
It's never fun to be left out of an Olympic roster, but in four years from now, perhaps Knies can find his way onto the team.
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Matthew Knies gets a huge slap in the face from USA Hockey

Do you believe Matthew Knies deserved to make Team USA?

YES20779.9 %
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