Matthew Knies has a chip on his shoulder going into next season and the Maple Leafs are about to benefit

Matthew Knies was snubbed from the Four Nations Faceoff, then the 2026 Olympics, now the IIHF World Championships. He also saw his own captain win Olympic gold. With his dream continuing to elude him, that will only inspire him more and whoever is leading the Maple Leafs next year is getting a dangerously motivated player in their revamped lineup.

It was made known this season that representing the United States is on the bucket list of Matthew Knies. He's still fairly young so his time will eventually come but with his unique blend scoring, speed and physicality - it's hard to pass him up:

Though Bill Guerin did pass him up, a couple of times actually. Last year at the Four Nations he was snubbed, and thought his hard work in 2025-26 would pay off with an Olympic spot but it wasn't meant to be. Now with the IIHF Championships in full swing, Knies is still nowhere to be found on the international stage even without Guerin running things.

It's something he was bummed about and didn't hide his emotions regarding the decision very well:

That could actually make Knies the most dangerous man on the ice come October. Knowing that his next chance to get on the international stage is the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, making sure that he becomes inevitable is at the top of his list.

Already looking like a star, Knies was genuinely disappointed he didn't make the cut for the Olympics even if he has already been there as part of the non-NHL contingent that played during the 2022 Olympic Games.

So now with a brand new coach coming in, new management and a focus on making the team competitive again, he has the motivation to not only do well for himself but also benefit the team considerably and be that top-line power forward we know he can be.

This past season was a career year for Knies, as he had career highs in both points (66) and assists (43), while also adding 152 hits. He showed some incredible playmaking ability and was a key contributor with Auston Matthews on the shelf.

But seeing his own captain win gold without him, and also seeing his other teammates get the call ahead of him - it's a heavy motivator. We haven't seen Knies play angry, and if he feels slighted by the Team USA reps then he's going to prove them wrong.

Could we see a more dynamic Knies? Someone who takes more risks and uses his size and speed to bull-rush opponents, but also adept with his hands to make no-look passes?

If so, how can you as Bill Guerin ignore that? You have a 23-year old player who weighs over 230 pounds but skates like lightning, hits like a Mack truck, can score anywhere on the ice and is staunchly patriotic.

2028 gives Knies two years to play angry and motivated as he stakes his claim for the World Cup of Hockey and make Team USA regret ever snubbing him in the first place and it can only benefit Toronto going forward.

He already has the international experience and he's gotten immensely better since he's been on that stage. With the Maple Leafs out to prove they are ready to compete again, and full acclimated in the NHL - the sky is the limit for Matthew Knies.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Auston Matthews has made his first demand of the offseason for a tougher Maple Leafs roster