As all roads lead to the Olympic games in February, some players are already making their cases to make their respective nations rosters, and some not so much. With early season injuries beginning to creep in, and a lot of underwhelming performances, the USA in particular have some big decisions on their hands in the next few months, esepecially who could take Matthew Tkachuk's spot?
The Florida Panthers forward was a massive part of the USA's 4 Nations Face-Off team, playing alongside his brother Brady and various other NHL heavyweights. Tkachuk is arguably the US's biggest enforcer and best power forward, but after suffering a torn adductor and a sports hernia during last season's playoffs, he is likely to be sidelined until at least December, and with any complications he could face even more time away.
Given that Tkachuk returns in full working order, and continues to play his heavy forechecking style of play, he is clearly a no brainer for the USA headed towards the Olympics, although some players such as the Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Knies are making a strong case to have their names heard. Knies, who has become a big asset for the Maple Leafs over the last couple of years, has not only become an elite power forward for the Leafs but a crucial teammate for Auston Matthews. Matthews is bound to be part of the leadership group for the USA in February and will definitely make sure Knies has his case heard, but how likely is he really to get into the team?
Looking back on the 4 Nations Face-Off, there are a lot of new guys who joined the orientation camp this summer who could definitely crack the lineup and replace some of those who played in the four nations. For example, young guys like Frank Nazar and Lane Hutson have had very stellar starts to their season, and will definitely be pushing to earn a spot on the team. On the other hand players like Chris Kreider and Brock Nelson have been playing very well in order to keep their spots, but there is still 100% places to be taken.
Knies who signed a massive extension with the Maple Leafs during the offseason has become a real offensive threat over the last year or so, but it is his size and physicality which could be of use for the United States come February. With the likes of Vincent Trocheck being injured and JT Miller not looking so convincing, there is a way in for a guy like Knies, and for a guy like him, his values could be massive for team USA.
Standing at 6' 3, and weighing in at 231 pounds, Knies is an offensive force, and his skating and physicality have been a big strength in the last couple of years. Given how fast paced and physical the four nations were, it is likely to be even more ferocious during the Olympics, and even if Tkachuk is back and healthy, Knies' physical edge would be a big advantage for a team who is filled with skill, and lacks physical, hard checking hockey,