LA Kings: Three-round mock draft with emphasis on scoring
By Ryan Sikes
Matthew Knies, LW
The Pheonix, Arizona native is committed to playing collegiate hockey with Brock Faber at the University of Minnesota next season. The Gophers figure to contend for the B1G Title again next season, and Matthew Knies will be a great addition to that team. Despite being just 18 years of age, Knies stands at a towering 6’3″ and weighs 205 lbs.
He’s demonstrated the ability to put up some points over the last two seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, tallying a combined 31 goals and 56 assists while wearing a letter this past year. In his first full season with Tri-City, Knies was named to the USHL’s All-Rookie Team.
His skating is considered to be average thus far in his development. That said, he’s shown that he can win a foot race to retrieve pucks in open ice.
One particular shift against Omaha stood out to me this season.
Knies retrieved a loose puck in the Storm’s attacking zone before absorbing a huge hit against the end boards. He then skated his way back with the puck heading the other way and established his position in the defensive zone.
Once he spotted the Omaha defenseman struggling to contain a pass along the blue line, Knies skated full speed and pushed him out of the defensive zone, breaking up any potential scoring chance.
The above can be seen in the first 37 seconds or so of this clip.
Red Savage, C
Perhaps we spoke too soon on Dylan Duke having the coolest name in this draft. His teammate at the USNTDP, Red Savage, outdid him in that department. Another player from Arizona, Savage migrated to Plymouth, Michigan, under Wroblewski at the USNTDP.
The 18-year-old is committed to Miami University (Ohio) to play for head coach Chris Bergeron. Savage tallied 18 goals this past season and 42 points in 46 games for the US National U18 Team and 10 goals and 20 points in USHL play.
Like Duke, Savage loves to fire the puck on net, logging a 25.0% shot rate this year. He had just one goal on the man advantage, but he’s so crafty on the penalty kill, scoring three shorthanded goals.
He captained the Team USA U18 team and had just one goal in Frisco, Texas. He’s a 200-foot player with a wicked wrist shot. If the LA Kings can get him in the third round, it would be the equivalent of finding an Alex Laferriere.
"A problem for opponents on the forecheck and an absolute beast on the penalty kill – EPRinkside"
Final Results
Source: FC Hockey