Cole Knuble

July 2022 – Knuble was not chosen in the 2022 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

June 2022 – Cole, the son of longtime NHLer Mike Knuble, was one of the highest-scoring draft-eligible players in the USHL this season, notching 20 goals and 29 assists through 62 games with Fargo. He had a particularly strong finish to the season, picking up 11 points in his final five outings during the regular season.

The first thing that stands out about Knuble is the energy he brings to practically every shift. He isn’t the most technically sound skater but he covers a lot of ice with a motor that’s always running, whether it be pressuring opponents on the forecheck or trying to take pucks into the middle of the ice after getting the defenders on their heels. Despite his small stature, Knuble competes hard and doesn’t hesitate to engage physically. He will finish his checks and he uses his body well to get under checks and battle for pucks along the wall. He has decent hands in tight and can dish to an open teammate but there isn’t a ton of creativity or deception in his game as a playmaker. Knuble has some finishing ability in counterattack situations and certainly doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas but he likely isn’t a big-time goal scorer at the pro level. He isn’t the biggest player and doesn’t have elite skating or play-driving abilities, but the way he competes and makes use of the offensive tools he does have gives him a chance as a bottom-six NHL forward. Nick Richard