Spencer Knight's case for an Olympic spot

Spencer Knight was very much a guy on my mind heavily while watching last night's abysmal 9-3 Blackhawks loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Knight's steady presence in the crease was missed in what was a rare off-game for this team. Arvid Soderblom was far from the only guy to blame in what was a poor effort all around, especially from the defense. However, Knight would likely at least have given the Blackhawks a chance, as he has done in virtually every game he has played in this year.

If there is one guy on this Chicago team you can argue has been as valuable as, if not more valuable than, Connor Bedard, it is Knight. The Blackhawks would not be in the playoff conversation in mid-November still if not for the contributions of Knight in goal. Posting a 2.47 goals against average and .922 save percentage in 14 starts, Knight has been phenomenal in net for this squad on a nightly basis. He has been consistent and reliable in the crease, with the team's confidence in him evident in the way they play in front of him.

Arguably, nothing in hockey is more important in defining a team's success than the man tending the goal. A hot goaltender can take a team on their back and carry them to unexpected heights that would not be deemed realistic with the roster in place. That is what Knight is doing for this Blackhawks team: he is elevating the club around him with his stable play. And that play has to be turning the heads of the Team USA brass.

Going into this season, Knight was not a guy many would have predicted as a potential option in net for USA Hockey approaching the 2026 Olympics in Milan. At 24 years old, the potential was obvious, but unproven. This is Knight's first season as a full-time starter in the NHL, and he is doing so for a young, rising, but unpolished rebuilding group around him. Most would not have projected him as an option leading into this edition of the games; the timing appeared off.

With that being said, Knight has blown away expectations in his first season as a Blackhawks starter. His numbers rank amongst the best in the entire NHL. Statistically, he has been among the top goalies in the show. And compared to a strong crop of talented American goalies, Knight ranks at or near the top in every category.

Spencer Knight's path to an Olympic spot

The question arises as to how realistic Knight's chances are of earning a roster spot on the American club looking to reclaim Gold in Italy. What is the USA's goaltending depth chart looking like currently, and who are Knight's top competitors for a role?

If Knight is to make a run for the team, it will probably be in a 3rd stringer role. Connor Hellebucyk and Jake Oettinger's spots as the team's 1-2 in net appear all but certain. Those two backstopped the US 4 Nations team that narrowly came up short against Canada. Both have continued to perform this season, and with their experience on the big stage, have to be shoe-ins as the team's premier starter-backup tandem.

The area of the US goaltending depth chart that has some question marks is the 3rd spot in the rotation. After Hellebucyk and Oettinger, the options for the final position in goal become more open. Jeremy Swayman, Thatcher Demko and Dustin Wolf are the main netminders that come to mind as guys the US brass could consider over Knight.

Knight's argument over his opposition comes down to three main factors: performance, experience, and versatility.

Performance

When it comes down to the stats and numbers, Knight clears the rest of the pack. Based on this season alone, you could argue he should be the team's starter as his resume this year rivals that of even Hellebucyk and "Otter." And Knight has done this while suiting up for a team no one expected to be in the postseason mix. Knight's calmness and stability in the net is something that can be counted on in the world stage spotlight.

Experience

While Knight may be young and not have the international experience at the top level like some of his counterparts, that does not mean he does not have experience winning big games with Team USA in world competition. His form at the 2021 World Juniors was among the strongest seen by a goalie in that tournament in recent years. That put him on the map as one of the most exciting emerging goalie prospects in the game.

Knight already knows what it is like to win Gold for his country. Is this not a future pillar in net that should be gaining that top international experience now, so he is ready down the line in future tournaments? Not to mention, Knight is a Stanley Cup Champion, having been a backup on the Florida Panthers' 2024 championship team. He knows what winning hockey looks like.

Versatility

Knight would not be expected to be the guy this time around for Team USA. While he would likely slot into a third-string role, he can be counted on to step up if needed, depending on what happens up front. Let's say an injury occurs with one of the USA's tenders, or perhaps both are struggling.

Knight can take on a larger role if necessary and become a fringe starter down the stretch. There are only so many goalies you can feel confident in putting in net at any given moment; he has to be one of them, given his track record thus far in the campaign.