The evolution of Knak has been a noticeable one since being passed over last year, as the Swiss forward took on a bigger role this season for a Portland team that lost some firepower. He looks a lot more confident and dynamic, and puts himself in spots where the puck just seems to find him. The biggest change is the use of his body and converting his base into a wider and useful tool so he can get full range moving laterally and generate more power through his lower half. His game has evolved from trying to move in straight lanes with pace to one where he uses speed changes and applies deceptive manoeuvres with look-offs and smart use of hips and hands. A more cerebral mindset allows him to play the lion’s share of his game inside the dots and use the whole offensive zone to work off teammates and then elude coverage. He does tend to still have habitual moments where he erects his stance and can lead pucks into poor ice while moving his stick off of his hip, which can affect his ability to shoot or make a play, but he’s far more efficient at integrating different variations to his passes and shots, which can be tailored to particular situations. He is really weak at playing under physical duress, and he will occasionally relinquish possession on the wall or completely withdraw on battles unless there is an uncontested puck or lane. He has periods of strong systematic play where he seems accountable, but also times where he is a horse led to water and over-commits, taking himself out of plays by biting on a manoeuvre or taking a poor approach to using his stick. Some really nice skill elements, but it’s hard to project if he will be a guy who you plug in to protect a lead or on a checking line without a lot of work, especially if the offense doesn’t keep evolving. Needs to play with more fire in his belly.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide