Matthews, Roslovic Rekindle Superman Line in Toronto

Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic have spent the first two days of Maple Leafs camp on the same line, reviving a partnership that began when they were teenagers with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Matthews, Roslovic and Matthew Tkachuk called their former trio "The Superman Line," a reference to Cam Newton's jersey-opening touchdown celebration.

"I think it was the Cam Newton era," Roslovic said Friday. "It was jokes."

Roslovic, 29, joined Toronto in July on a two-year, $8 million contract. Matthews said their familiarity has helped, while emphasizing that the combination is still in its early stages.

"He's extremely skilled," Matthews said. "He's always got his head up, he skates well, he shoots the puck. He can drive play with his speed."

"We're getting there," Roslovic said. "Obviously the biggest thing is just the communication aspect."

Tkachuk, now with Florida, has already warned his former linemates about celebrating against him. "He told us if we played against them and scored, and did the Superman celly, he was going to kill one of us," Matthews said, laughing.

Matthew Knies fills the third spot in Toronto's current version of the line. Knies said he is fully healthy after an injury-affected 2025-26 season in which he still set a career high with 66 points in 79 games.

"The strength is really impressive," Roslovic said of Knies. "And then you mix that with his goal-scoring prowess, his ability to be disruptive netfront."

Coach Jim Hiller said the wingers beside Matthews must create offence while also covering for the captain when he takes calculated risks. Through two sessions, Hiller has emphasized speed, puck possession and hard skating in both directions.

The line's first game test is expected Saturday in Toronto's preseason opener.