The Calgary Flames pulled off a trade Tuesday for what they think is an NHL-ready forward. To hear Corban Knight tell it, they have his development at North Dakota to thank for his apparent readiness for the pro game.
"Four years of college did wonders for me, both for the physical maturity and the mental maturity," Knight told the Calgary Herald.
He expanded upon those thoughts with the Flames' web site:
"The on-ice development in Grand Forks ... it was huge. I had the all the opportunity in the world to get better as a hockey player and that will really set me up well for the transition (to pro).
"Off the ice, being away from home and having to balance your schedule helps you grow up. The mental side was equally as important for me - I grew up."
Looking back at his time with UND, he pinpoints his overall consistency as the area he has improved the most in. He worked doggedly on leveling out his game and making sure he was dependable in three zones.
"Every hockey player wants to be as consistent as possible and that is something I knew I had to improve on in order to move to the next level," he explained. "From where I was four years ago to now, I'm happy with where I am and will continue to work on getting better."
Jay Feaster, Calgary's general manager, expressed why the organization was happy to part with a fourth-round pick to acquire Knight's rights from the Florida Panthers.
"Corban Knight is a player our scouts have been watching closely throughout his collegiate career," he said in a statement. "We are thrilled to add him to our organization and look forward to his debut in a Flames' sweater this fall."
Listen to Corban Knight on Calgary's SportsNet 960
Knight's senior season at UND was highlighted by a 19-game point streak that stretched nearly three months. He was a Hobey Baker Award finalist, finished eighth nationally with 49 points and won 623 faceoffs, 24% more than the next closest player in the nation.