Daily Faceoff highlights Matthew Knies as young skater on the bubble of US Olympic roster

We’re just days away from preseason hockey and the return of another NHL season. Set to return to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014, this season will kick off with a little extra fire ignited for players across the league, especially those fighting for one of the limited roster spots at hockey’s biggest competition.

On Thursday, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin took a look at some of the players on the roster bubble for Canada and the United States. After many were snubbed from last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster for their respective countries, Larkin broke down the different strategies for these players hoping to make their nation’s Olympic roster this February.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is one American hoping to get a chance at representing his country in Milan. But still young in his career, Larkin puts him under “The Kid strategy,” aware that his inexperience may cost him a roster spot, but ultimately still putting his best foot forward:

Some of the Bubble players have the upside and all-around skill to become international mainstays later in their careers – but aren’t necessarily ready to gel with a veteran-laden team for a mid-season tournament right now and have uphill climbs based on lack of seniority. Remember: rookie Sidney Crosby didn’t make the 2006 Canadian Olympic team. Sophomore Steven Stamkos didn’t play for Canada in 2010. So the young guns tend to keep their expectations realistic, try to improve their play and leave the rest up to fate.

Speaking at the NHL Player Media Tour, Knies shared his perspective on trying to make the Olympic team this year:

“I’m gonna have to play really good hockey at the start of the year and really earn my way onto that team, but I probably shouldn’t really focus on that,” said Matthew Knies. “Obviously you want to make it and be there and play for your country. But I think just playing my best hockey and focusing on the team now is going to give me the best success.”

The 22-year-old winger had a big offseason, which saw him sign a six-year, $46.5 million contract. After putting up career-best numbers of 29 goals and 58 points in his sophomore season, he’ll look to improve that as he settles into an annual salary of $7.75 million. Add to that the prospect of representing his country at the Olympic Games, and you can bet Knies will be coming out guns blazing to start the year.