Reply To: Committed Recruits Update Thread

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BlueBandit24 wrote:

FWIW, Scott Wheeler described Lucius as a “natural pivot” in his draft recap.

Unrelated but he was very complimentary of the Wild’s draft as well.

Before 2nd round started he had Knies as the 8th best prospect still available

8. Matthew Knies, LW, Tri-City-USHL

Oct. 17, 2002 | 6-foot-3 | 210 pounds

Skating: Below-average

Puck Skills: Average

Hockey Sense: Below-average

Compete: Above-average

Shot: Below-average

Knies had a great underage season but his draft season was a struggle to produce as much offense as expected. Despite his mediocre point totals (42 points in 44 games) I still see a very talented player and he was an important player for a top USHL team in all situations. I see a 6-foot-3 forward with great hands who can beat defenders clean with skill. I debated his sense being listed as “average” or “below-average.” I’ve seen enough plays from him, particularly as an underage, to say he can see the ice, but this past season made me question his sense at times and his puck decisions. His game lacks finish as well, although he went on a big goal scoring tear to end the season. Knies works hard on the ice, winning a lot of battles, killing penalties and taking pucks to the net. His skating isn’t the best and will lack the ability to separate at the NHL level. In a sentence, Knies projects as an NHL two-way middle-six winger.