Matthew Knies

Big framed centre with all the tools but hasn't really produced well this season. A strong skater withexcellent balance and hands. Sees and reads the attack zone well. Uses his above average feet and and long stride to separate in open ice, but can also use his edging to pivot abruptly into a different direction like smaller players do. Wins draws. His speed lets him create time and space by shaking loose from coverage, and working the numbers. Will learn to use his line mates better, instead of trying to the opposition as a one man show. It looked as though he was going to be the best first year prospect coming out of the USHL, but the work ethic is missing, as he seems to look for his teamates to do the work and feed him. Maybe the skill he was surrounded with up front last year had more to do with his success, as he just isn't driving the play now. Committed to the University of Minnesota.

—Bill Placzek