Comments From Team USA GM Bill Guerin Could Have Big Implications for Leafs' Matthew Knies

During the 4 Nations Face-Off, the United States gave Team Canada a run for their money, after taking them down in the round robin game and then just falling short in the championship matchup in overtime.

It was the first time since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016 that we witnessed the best on best facing off against one another when Canada came out on top against Team Europe.

Despite the setback in 2016, the Americans have built quite the formidable squad since then and one they are certain can take home the gold at the upcoming Olympic Games.

As for who they're sending over to Italy, that remains to be seen, especially after the recent comments made by Team USA GM Bill Guerin, that he won't be mimicking the 4 Nations roster.

The American roster at the 4 Nations featured a lot of great talent but they also left off a lot of players in lieu of veterans, who will assuredly not be a part of the Olympic roster.

Guerin's comments will certainly give younger players, like Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, a better chance of representing their country in 2026, at least compared to other nations like Canada, who are expected to assemble a similar roster.

To help cement his chances, Knies has a fantastic opportunity awaiting him when the regular season begins when he will undoubtably start alongside Auston Matthews.

If the duo get off to a hot start, Guerin could look to Knies as a finalist for an Olympic roster spot, and maybe even as Matthews' linemate in Milan due to their built-in chemistry, which is an underrated quality to have for such a short tournament.

Team USA is going to be stacked no matter the direction Guerin and the rest of the decision makers go. However, learning from their mistakes is going to be crucial and bringing younger players like Knies could go a long way to finally usurping Canada at the top of the totem pole.