Matthew Knies was absent from the morning skate. Knies has recorded 12 goals and 38 points in 43 games this season, but hasn't registered a point in his past four games. If Knies is able to play, he may be placed on the top line with Auston Matthews and Max Domi, while Bobby McMann drops down to the fourth line. McMann skated with Matthews and Domi during Thursday's morning skate.
Matthew Knies is no stranger to Olympic hockey but despite that, he will face some tough competition for a roster spot on Team USA's final team. But, he can bring something more than any one of his peers. All of the 44 players that Team USA decided to bring to their Olympic orientation camp were present and participating earlier this week, with both Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies seen together.
Knies, who plays alongside star forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and occupies the net-front spot on the top power-play unit, has five goals and two assists in 12 post-season contests this spring.
