"Matthew Knies Embraces Pressure of Playing for Leafs: 'It Pushes Me to Be Better'"
Toronto, ON (Sept 8, 2025) – Matthew Knies is ready to face the pressure that comes with being a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 22-year-old forward, who has quickly become one of the team’s core players, is eager to step into a larger role and carry the weight of expectations that come with playing in one of the most high-pressure hockey markets in the world.
With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights, Knies has found himself stepping into a leadership role on the team, becoming one of the faces of the Leafs’ future. Far from shying away from the responsibility, Knies sees it as an opportunity to grow and rise to the occasion.
Knies on Embracing the Toronto Pressure
"The pressure that comes with playing for the Leafs isn’t something I’m afraid of. It’s something that pushes me to be better every day," Knies said in a recent interview. "I want to make the city proud, and I know the fans expect a lot from us. That’s what drives me — to perform at my best and help bring success to this team."
Knies’ mindset is exactly what’s needed to succeed in Toronto, where the fans expect nothing less than excellence. Despite his age, Knies is eager to carry the torch for the Leafs, understanding that the team’s success — and his own growth — depends on his ability to perform under pressure.
Offseason Focus: Training for Improvement
In order to meet those expectations, Knies has been dedicated to improving his game over the offseason. After two full seasons in the NHL, he’s been working on his defensive game, as well as his play in tight spaces. Knies has spent time training with Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks and Jimmy Snuggerud of the St. Louis Blues in Minnesota, focusing on areas he feels can elevate his game to the next level.
“I think the first time I came to camp in my rookie year, there were 15 cameras in your face. You get thrown into the fire, and you just have to stay honest, calm, and humble," Knies reflected. His dedication to personal improvement is clear, as he actively works on his weaknesses to ensure he becomes the best version of himself as a player.
Olympic Aspirations and Leafs Success
Knies also has his eyes set on representing Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, with hopes to make the roster. Despite the competition, he is determined to make an impact this season and secure his spot. “I want to make the city proud, and I know the fans expect a lot from us," Knies said. “That’s what drives me — to perform at my best and help bring success to this team.”
If Knies can continue his upward trajectory and maintain the form he’s shown over the past two seasons, his spot on Team USA is certainly within reach, and his contributions will be vital for the Leafs as they strive for playoff success.
A New Era for the Leafs
Knies is poised to play a central role in the Toronto Maple Leafs' future. The pressure of playing for such a prestigious franchise doesn’t intimidate him; instead, it fuels him to elevate his game. As the Leafs embark on the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on Knies to see if he can continue his growth, both on the ice and as a leader in the locker room.
For Matthew Knies, the next chapter in his journey is one of high expectations, but he is ready for the challenge. The pressure isn’t a burden — it’s the fuel that will drive him to be the best version of himself, both for the Leafs and for his Olympic aspirations.
Bruins' Jeremy Swayman faces make-or-break season: Will he rebound or crumble under pressure?
The Boston Bruins' 2025-2026 season may hinge on the performance of one player: Jeremy Swayman. After an abysmal year in 2024-2025, which saw the 26-year-old goaltender posting career-worst numbers, Swayman finds himself in a do-or-die situation. If he doesn’t rebound, the Bruins could be staring at another season in the basement of the Atlantic Division.
The struggles were undeniable last season. From missing training camp due to a financial stalemate to failing to find any consistency in net, Swayman finished with a dismal 3.11 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage in a career-high 58 games. While injuries to key defensemen like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm certainly didn’t help, the spotlight shone brightest on Swayman’s inability to deliver when it mattered most. Add to that the criticism surrounding his $8.25 million contract, and the pressure is now at an all-time high.
For Swayman, this season is not just about proving himself to the Bruins organization. It's about proving his worth to Team USA, with a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games on the line. With elite goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger competing for the same spot, Swayman can't afford to falter early. Any struggles could push him out of the Olympic conversation entirely.
“That's always the hardest problem with being a goalie,” Hellebuyck explained at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp. “There are multiple guys but only one net.”
Indeed, Swayman knows that if he doesn't perform, others will take his spot. But the pressure doesn't end there. Without no-trade protection on his contract until next season, Bruins GM Don Sweeney may be forced to make a decision on Swayman’s future sooner than expected.
“We have an endless belief mindset,” Swayman said, trying to stay focused on the present. “We can’t predict what’s going to happen, but the thing is that we can control what we can control, right here, right now.”
However, with backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo hardly posing a challenge to Swayman’s role, it’s clear that the onus is squarely on the young goaltender. A slow start could easily sink the Bruins’ playoff aspirations and seal Swayman’s fate.
"This season is make or break for me. I've had my fair share of struggles, but I’m not backing down. The pressure is on, and I’m ready to prove that I belong at the top. It's time to take control of my career and show the world that I’m not just the goalie of the past—I’m the future of this team," Swayman declared, putting his focus on bouncing back and earning the trust of both his team and his fans.
With a season packed with both personal and team-related stakes, this is undeniably a boom-or-bust year for the young goalie. Will Swayman rise to the challenge, or will this be the season he gets lost in the shuffle?
One thing’s for sure: Swayman’s performance will be under the microscope all year long, and his every move will be scrutinized. The future of the Bruins—and his career—could very well be determined by how he handles the immense pressure.
