Knazko agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Czech club HC Vitkovice on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko hasn't played in an NHL game since the 2022-23 campaign, instead featuring exclusively with AHL Cleveland over the last two seasons. Heading into the offseason, the Blue Jackets decided against giving the 22-year-old defenseman a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Given his age, Knazko could certainly make a push to secure an NHL deal in the future but will have to impress during his time overseas.

Knazko didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko played for AHL Cleveland during the 2024-25 season, racking up four goals, 12 assists and 14 PIM over 55 appearances. He's made just two NHL appearances during his career and will have to seek out a new deal ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Knazko will represent Slovakia at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko spent the entire 2024-25 campaign with AHL Cleveland, and he recorded four goals and 12 assists over 55 appearances. This year's World Championship will mark the third time that the 22-year-old has suited up for Slovakia at Worlds. Over his last two appearances, he recorded three assists and two PIM across 15 appearances. Knazko was a third-round pick by Columbus in 2020, but he's made just two NHL appearances for the Blue Jackets during his career.

Knazko was reassigned to AHL Cleveland on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko suited up for his first two NHL games this week, blocking one shot. The defenseman played only 9:35 in his NHL debut versus Pittsburgh on Thursday, but he saw 21:42 of ice time Friday in a 5-2 loss to Buffalo. Knazko had 21 points in 49 games with AHL Cleveland before his recall.

Knazko was summoned from AHL Cleveland on an emergency basis Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko has a goal and 21 points in 49 contests with Cleveland this season. The 20-year-old was taken by the Blue Jackets with the No. 78 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. He might draw into the lineup for his NHL debut Thursday against Pittsburgh or Friday versus Buffalo.

Knazko is leaving TPS in Finland to play for Seattle in the WHL, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

A third-round pick in 2020, Knazko was playing well for TPS' under-20 club but getting limited opportunities in Finland's top league, and the Jackets felt his development would be better served in North America. The 19-year-old has top-shelf offensive skills and skating ability, and he could be a future quarterback on the power play. He'll work on becoming better in his own end with the Thunderbirds.

Knazko penned a three-year, entry-level contract with Columbus on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Knazko -- who was selected by the Jackets in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft -- is set to make the jump to the professional ranks with Finnish club TPS next season, having spent the past three years playing in their youth system. The 18-year-old blueliner is likely 2-3 seasons away from getting a chance to break into an NHL game, which makes him a non-factor in re-draft formats, though he may be worth stashing in dynasty leagues.