Former UND forward Corban Knight to test free agent market.

Corban Knight is headed for free agency. “@Lowetide_: Jason Gregor with a story about a center with size. Hmmm. http://t.co/qaVktgAsIE”
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) June 17, 2013

There has been some speculation on-line this summer where the former Hobey Baker Memorial Candidate might end up. It's beginning to sound like it might be the Edmonton Oilers organization.

Jason Gregor, Edmonton Journal - So why didn’t the Panthers sign the resident of High River?

“After my season finished, we had talks with Florida and negotiations took place, but it turned out it wasn’t going to work out for both parties. We told Florida we were going to wait until free agency (Aug. 15) or a trade,” explained Knight.

The Panthers have drafted Jonathon Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden in the past three years, and they want to give them a shot. After speaking with the Panthers and looking at their depth chart Knight and his agent felt it was in his best interest to test the free-agent market.

Three teams have contacted the Panthers about acquiring Knight, and the Oilers are one of them, according to my sources. Will they sign another top college free agent two years in a row?

Is Knight ready to play in the NHL this season?

“To be honest, four years ago and even two years ago I would tell you there was no chance that I was ready to step into professional hockey, and more specifically the NHL,” said Knight.

“However, with my development at UND I was able to get stronger and more physically mature, and I’ve taken big steps improving my foot speed. Obviously, I have a lot of respect for the NHL and the guys playing there, it is the best league in the world. However, I think if I was able to come into a training camp, have a good camp and get some lucky breaks, I’d like to think I’d have a chance to crack an opening-day roster.”

(Video) A Badger and an Eagle lead the way; USA 5 Canada 1

With the win today, the Americans beat the Canadians in the World Junior Championship for just the second time in 11 tries (2/11 .188%). It was sweet watching the Canadians stand in shock at their red line – watching the American flag being raised  – while the Star Spangled Banner was being played.

With the win, the USA will play the Swedes for the IIHF U20 WJC gold on Saturday morning at 7:00 C.T. am. 

Leading the way for the Americans was Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Jake McCabe (2g-1a—3pts) and Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau (2g-1a—3pts). Johnny Hockey now leads the WJC with seven goals. Make that seven goals in three games. Gaudreau is also leading team USA in scoring with (7g-2a—9tps).

I just finished watching the game for a second time, I just think that the Americans out played the Canadians badly. Canada was very sloppy in the defensive zone and the USA got better goaltending.

USA goalie John Gibson has been downright amazing during the WJC; his numbers are eye popping, .954 save percentage and an impressive 1.43 goals against average. Apparently, Canadian defense man Griffin Reinhardt has a hearing with the IIHF disciplinary committee scheduled for his high sticking penalty on USA’s Vincent Trocheck. Reinhardt hit Trocheck in the helmet with his stick. Trocheck was given a two-minute minor penalty for the high stick.

Being a Boston Bruins fan, I am concerned about the play the Canadian goalie Malcom Subban, I think that he has been Canada’s weak link in this tourney. I also have not been impressed with Canadian defenseman and Boston Bruins draftee Dougie Hamilton.