The young D-man from Slovakia will try to improve on his first pro season in North America.
Samuel Knazko was drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2020, 78th overall. He’s a left-shot defenseman in a very deep pool of prospects for the Jackets. Knazko signed his entry-level contract on June 9th, 2021, and would make his organizational debut for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL in 2022.
Knazko played in 50 games for the Monsters in 22-23, scoring 1 goal and totaling 21 points. His 21 points were good enough for 3rd among defensemen for the Monsters, behind star prospect David Jiricek and Jake Christiansen. He was also called up to Columbus and played in two games, failing to gain a point.
The scouting report on Knazko is promising. Scouts rave about his passing skills for a defenseman. Watching a video of him shows how he can find players down the seam and make passes with great accuracy. He’s extremely mobile and can move up the ice on an offensive rush very smoothly, and skates well when defending against a rush. Before the draft, his skating had been called “elite” by multiple scouts. He is more of an offensive defenseman and loves to QB a powerplay. With his passing skills, good shot, and good hands, it’s no surprise that he can rack up points.
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Knazko has a lot of work to do to break through for the Blue Jackets, as this defensive pool is loaded. He’ll turn 21 in a few days, so he’s still very young, but he will be playing on a very good Cleveland team and has a chance to have a breakout year with the Monsters. He and David Jiricek have an opportunity to score a lot of points this season, and both could get a shot in Columbus if the injury bug hits or if moves are made.
Look out for Knazko, he could very well make a push in a couple of seasons to be a full-time blue liner for the CBJ. Knazko, Jiricek, Svozil, Mateychuk, and Ceulemans are all waiting their turn.
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