The Chicago Blackhawks have had an impressive season so far in 2025-26. It is unexpected by most given that they finished second last in the NHL last season and have taken a huge step forward overall with the help of many of the individuals as well.
Two of the most impressive players have been Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight. These are two core players playing very important roles on the team as the number one center and starting goalie. With the Olympics around the corner, both have played well enough to make the team.
Analytically, Knight is the best goalie in the NHL this season with the highest expected goals saved above expected with 12.88. He is 6-3-3 with a 2.46 GAA and .923 SV% to go along with one shutout behind a mainly young defensive group.
To get onto Team USA, Knight will have to be one of the top-3 goalies. He is in competition with Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, both of whom I think will make it, Thatcher Demko, if he’s healthy, and Jeremy Swayman, who was on the team last season. Given Knight has the most impressive numbers in the NHL among goalies this season, it only makes sense he makes the team, even as a third goalie. In comparison, Demko has a .903 SV% and Swayman has a .899 SV%, both on teams expected to be better than Chicago.
As for Bedard, he is absolutely one of the future faces of Team Canada, but the future has come sooner than expected for multiple of the young talents, Macklin Celebrini included.
Bedard has produced 10 goals and 26 points in 17 games so far this season. He is tied for third in the league in scoring, behind only Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. There are plenty of talented forwards in the mix to either return to Team Canada or make it for the first time. With how Bedard is playing and future implications as well, it’s tough to say he doesn’t deserve to make the team.
Frank Nazar, who was invited to the Team USA camp, won’t make the team this time around as his offense hasn’t been as good as the start of the season, but he’s still a good player and there’s hope for the future.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.
