6th year defenseman Eric Knodel(36) signed a new 2-way contract in the offseason with Lehigh Valley Phantoms but likely saw most of his role to being on reassignment to affiliate Reading Royals, where he had just under 300 games played in the ECHL, now at 307.
The very sizable d-man has been a top scorer in the league and named 2019 Defenseman Of The Year with 30+ assist seasons in the last two for Cincinnati Cyclones and is off and running with 22 helpers in 28 games including a +15 rating.
He was recalled just after the new year and in 7 AHL games has 3 assists, including a 2-point effort with a +3, so may just be cutting out a spot in the lineup one-step away from the NHL city he grew up next to and where he’s still looking for a first goal.
It would be little surprise to see the 29-year old former University Of New Hampshire blue liner continue to accept minor league contracts going forward.
Eric Knodel (40)
Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 5th round pick in the 2009 draft (#128 overall), the absolutely huge 6’6″ 225 lbs. defenseman Eric Knodel(40) will start the first full season of his pro career on double reassignment to Orlando Solar Bears.
He signed an ato after completing his fourth year at University Of New Hampshire, where as a senior he was named team captain.
Skating in 10 AHL games with minor league affiliate Toronto Marlies he recorded his first two points, assists and was a +1 plus/minus.
He’s definitely shown flares for putting up points, especially helpers but might need a little more coaching and practice on the next level to give him the confidence to produce.
He attended a pair of Leafs’ prospect camps and this year’s training camp but was cut early.
At 24-years old he’s a bit of a late starter but easily has the size to blossom into a powerhouse on the blue line.
He’ll need to do it quickly though, as he’s only signed to a one-year entry level deal.