The 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing in Milan, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have a noticeable presence on the international stage. With stars like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson suiting up for their respective countries, the Leafs’ influence is being felt far beyond the NHL. Matthews and Team USA have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, while Nylander and Ekman-Larsson are gearing up for a qualification showdown against Latvia.
But while the current Olympic spotlight is bright, it also raises a compelling question: which current Leafs could be donning their national colors in the 2030 Winter Games? Let’s break down a few names who could be skating on Olympic ice four years from now.
Matthew Knies - Team USA
Let’s start with a name that feels like a natural fit for Team USA’s future: Matthew Knies. At just 23, Knies is already carving out a significant role with the Maple Leafs and is on pace for a career-best season. With 46 points in 54 games, he ranks fourth in team scoring - not bad for a player still finding his NHL ceiling.
Knies already has Olympic experience under his belt, having suited up for Team USA in the 2022 Games. That year, NHL players weren’t allowed to participate, but Knies made the most of his opportunity, tallying a goal and two points in four games.
He also played in the 2022 summer World Junior Championship, where he added three assists in five games. While his international résumé isn’t extensive, he’s shown he can rise to the occasion when called upon.
Looking ahead to 2030, the door could be wide open for Knies. Veterans like Brock Nelson, JT Miller, and Vincent Trocheck will be pushing into their late 30s, and Team USA will likely be looking to inject some younger legs into the lineup.
Knies fits the mold perfectly - a gritty, versatile forward who can add depth and energy to the bottom six. He’s not just a player who can keep up with the pace - he can help set it.
Dennis Hildeby - Team Sweden
Goaltending is always a hot topic when it comes to Olympic rosters, and Dennis Hildeby is quietly making a case to be part of Sweden’s future plans. The 6-foot-6 netminder is in his third pro season and has spent most of the year in the NHL, posting a .912 save percentage and a 2.90 goals-against average - solid numbers, especially considering the ups and downs of the Leafs’ defensive play this season.
The Swedish crease is crowded with talent, and Hildeby will have to outduel some strong contenders. Linus Ullmark, Filip Gustavsson, and Jesper Wallstedt are all in the mix, while longtime veteran Jacob Markstrom will be 40 by the time 2030 rolls around and may be out of the picture. Ullmark will be 36, so there could be a lane for Hildeby to slide in as a third option.
A trio of Gustavsson, Wallstedt, and Hildeby would give Sweden a strong, balanced goaltending unit. Gustavsson and Wallstedt already have chemistry from their time in Minnesota, and Hildeby would bring fresh energy and size to the mix. He hasn’t represented Sweden internationally yet, but if his development continues on this trajectory, the 2030 Olympics could be his coming-out party on the world stage.
William Nylander - Team Sweden
When you talk about locks for 2030, William Nylander is near the top of the list. He’s already a key piece of Sweden’s 2026 Olympic squad and is set to face Latvia in a qualification game. Through the preliminary round, Nylander has chipped in a goal and an assist - steady production from a player who’s long been a reliable offensive force for his country.
Nylander’s international track record is extensive. He’s played in two World Junior Championships, multiple World Championships, and was part of the Four Nations roster.
His performances at the World Championships, in particular, have been electric. In 2019, he racked up 18 points in just eight games.
In 2017, he put up 14 points in 10 games and helped lead Sweden to gold.
By 2030, Nylander won’t just be a roster lock - he’ll likely be wearing a letter. Whether it’s the captain’s “C” or an “A” on his sweater, he’ll be a leader on and off the ice for Team Sweden. But first, his focus is on the task at hand in Milan, where he’s looking to help Sweden make a deep run this year.
Auston Matthews - Team USA
No surprises here - Auston Matthews is not only a lock for the 2030 Olympic Games, he’s likely to be wearing the “C” once again for Team USA. He’s already captaining the 2026 squad and has been a force through the preliminary round, scoring three goals and adding two assists. He’s tied for the team lead in points with Matthew Tkachuk, and Team USA is set to face the winner of the Sweden-Latvia matchup in the quarterfinals.
Matthews hasn’t had many chances to represent the United States on the international stage, but when he has, he’s made it count. He played in the Four Nations tournament, tallying three assists in three games, and made a splash at the 2016 World Championship with six goals and nine points - tied for the team lead - before falling to Russia in the bronze medal game.
Matthews is already one of the greatest American goal scorers of all time, and by 2030, he’ll be a veteran presence on a team that could be loaded with talent. After falling short in the Four Nations final last year, Matthews and Team USA are chasing redemption in Milan - and if that hunger carries over, expect him to be just as motivated in 2030.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are showcasing the Maple Leafs’ international firepower, but the next chapter is already taking shape. With players like Knies and Hildeby on the rise, and stars like Nylander and Matthews continuing to lead the way, Toronto’s Olympic pipeline is alive and well - and the 2030 Games could be another big stage for this group to shine.