Maple Leafs Fans Thrilled After Bill Guerin Teases Matthew Knies Joining Team USA
Matthew Knies has broken out into one of the league's best power forwards and his play has turned heads enough to consider him for Team USA.
Considering he's only had one full NHL season under his belt, Matthew Knies has proven that he is going to be a star for years to come.
A hybrid of speed, size, and scoring ability, Knies is poised to be a key part of the Maple Leafs for a long time.
Knies being thrust on the top line alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews hasn't given him any jitters, and he looks like a veteran on the ice.
Not afraid to throw hits, play defense, and generally be wherever Craig Berube needs him to be has led to a lot success for Knies this season.
He's also turning some very important heads as Michael Traikos of The Hockey News reports, Knies is on the radar as a potential Team USA candidate for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Does Matthew Knies Deserve A Spot On Team USA?
So far this year he had 8 goals and 12 points before he suffered an injury and landed on the IR.
He was on pace to smash that number and could of ended up with 20 goals by the All-Star break.
It's hard to argue that he doesn't at least deserve a spot, and perhaps it's not on the top lines with Auston Matthews, Cole Caufield, Jack Eichel, or the Tkachuk brothers, but he would be a solid bottom six option that brings a ton of energy.
This season Knies really started to come into his own and showed some real promise as the best power forward Toronto has had in a very long time.
It's easy to forget just how big Knies is when he's flying down the ice, and for all Kyle Dubas' issues; he drafted an absolute gem.
The only knock on Knies would be that he just doesn't have the experience yet for the big-time games, but he's already proven he can thrive under pressure, so what better way to get him that experience he needs?
Who Will Be On Team USA?
There are so many talented players as Guerin alluded to, although he has kept an eye on the Maple Leafs power forward for some time as well.
"He's played well this year. We're considering everybody. Not to get into the specifics or anything like that, but there's just so many good players."
Good players they indeed are. Beyond the names mentioned like Caufield and Tkachuk, Team USA boasts Jake Guentzel, Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski and Charlie McAvoy. It's a very strong lineup for Guerin, and he has a lot of tough choices to make.
The one potential in that Knies has for a spot is the unfortunate circumstances of Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller, who has taken a step away from hockey for an indefinite period of time. Knies would be a great addition to the team and could be a potential dark horse MVP of the team.
FAQ: Bill Guerin Teases Matthew Knies For Team USA
Q1: Why does Bill Guerin think Matthew Knies is worth it?
A1: While not explicitly stated, Guerin has been following Knies' career for some time now, and he is playing his cards close to his chest. It could be a mixture of his potential and established skillset that gives Guerin an idea of how Knies could help his team.
Q2: How can Matthew Knies make Team USA?
A2: Well if he continues his torrid pace then Guerin won' have much choice, but if he was still iffy about things, the case of JT Miller would allow Knies to earn a spot a bit easier, and he could end up being one of the bright spots for the team. He just needs to get healthy.
So in closing, Bill Guerin is doing his best to try and figure out the best team to put together as Team USA tries to establish themselves as the best team in international hockey.
He might also have a pretty 'Knies' ace up his sleeve too.
