Klassen is an efficient player on the offensive side of the game who has the upside to grow into an impactful junior and pro player. He isn’t currently the most explosive skater, though he does have manipulative footwork that he can use to change speeds and move laterally to change pace or a lane, and it’s a style that translates forward when used in key scenarios to generate space. Has some good ideas with the puck, but he’s a bit rash and naive currently. He has a tendency to manifest and show impatience, barging across the line or into the middle of the ice without strategy, which can result in him getting physically ridden off the puck or throwing pucks to poor ice. Nevertheless, there’s more positives than negatives with how he conducts himself, and when he makes a good read he’s getting into soft spots or putting pucks to space where teammates have ease of acquisition and then he’s following up to find the best angle to get a puck back on his stick. Has some strong skill elements that will surely develop with confidence, and he’s able to adapt to change course or make a move through a weight shift. With an added step and a bit more range to his game he could be an absolute handful for defenders. He makes some good plays defensively by clogging lanes high in the zone and using scans to find his assignment, but can sometimes miss his check or show poor positioning in battles. Does have a tenacious edge, but sometimes takes the wrong path, gets beaten in short races or makes bad reads.  A better tactical approach would probably allow him to be a more consistent offensive contributor, though there’s a lot of room to grow and it’s about learning how to pick his spots and allowing his creative elements to come to the forefront. Incomplete project, but could be a guy on some radars as there are tools and a fearlessness to his game.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide