[2] After being drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 10th round (204th overall) in 1990, Knutsen remained in Europe until 1997, playing for his hometown team Vålerenga, and later Djurgården of the Swedish Elitserien.

After a disappointing season (playing in part for the American Hockey League (AHL) Cincinnati Mighty Ducks), Knutsen returned to Djurgården.

He left the NHL in early 2004, shortly after being assigned to Columbus' AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, and once again returned to Djurgården.

At the news of his retirement, the general manager of Djurgården, Tommy Engström, called him one of the greatest players in the history of the club.

Also as a result of the tragedy, the NHL made it mandatory to install protective nylon mesh nets above the glass behind both goals.