Why 1 Blackhawks player not named Connor Bedard should make Olympics roster

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight has been one of the most important players on the team this season, and now one expert thinks he should earn some special recognition for his play.

On a recent episode of "Da Windy City" podcast, Greg Boysen, the site expert at Blackhawk Up, said Knight deserves to play on the international stage.

"I think people should start talking about him possibly being the third goaltender for Team USA at the Olympics," Boysen said on the podcast. "That's how good he's been."

Boysen acknowledged fellow Americans Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger have the top spots locked up, and deservedly so. Each man is more proven with lengthy resumes of success both in the NHL and for Team USA. Each man has also played incredibly well this season to retain their jobs as the top two American netminders.

However, the same cannot be said for Jeremy Swayman, the third goaltender on the last iteration of Team USA. Swayman struggled last season and allowed the most goals in the league. He hasn't been much better this season, with an .896 SV% and a 3.14 GAA.

"That third (goaltender spot on Team USA) is wide open," Boysen said.

Why Spencer Knight deserves look for Team USA

Despite only tallying one point over their last three games, the Blackhawks have been one of the most surprisingly successful teams to start the NHL season. They've pulled themselves out of the NHL's basement (at least for now) and find themselves just two points out of a playoff spot. Yes, it's early, but Blackhawks seasons have been essentially over by the end of November the past few years. Early success is worth celebrating.

Knight has been essential to the turnaround. He's been in net for four of the team's five wins, and his .913 SV% is tied for eighth in the NHL, among goalies with at least five appearances (along with No. 2 Team USA goalie, Oettinger).

"He's been incredible," said Boysen. "He's been able to cover up a lot of the Blackhawks' blemishes earlier in the season."

Those blemishes include continued defensive breakdowns in front of Knight. Last year the team put Knight in some difficult situations. He faced several shots where he had no real chance to make a save. The defense has been better for the most part this season, but it's far from a top unit in the league.

The Blackhawks acquired Knight and a 2026 first-round pick from the Panthers in exchange for Seth Jones and a fourth-round pick last year. They then signed him to a three-year, $17.5 million contract extension in September.

"Worth the trade from last year and worth every penny that they gave him in his contract extension."