Espen Knutsen (Born January 12, 1972 in Oslo) is a former Norwegian ice hockey player, and NHL-pro. In his native Norway, Knutsen is known also under his nickname "Shampoo" (his father is a hairdresser). He is 6 feet tall (183 cm), weighs 187 lb (85 kg), shoots left and played the centre position during his professional career. After being drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 10th round (204th overall) in 1990, Knutsen remained in Europe until 1997, playing for Vålerenga and the Swedish Djurgården. In 1996, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim traded the rights to Knutsen, and he made his debut with the Ducks in 1997. After a not very successful season (playing in part for the AHL Cincinnati Mighty Ducks) Knutsen returned to Djurgården, but was again drafted to play in the NHL in 2000, this time for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a very good first season, he tallied 53 points (11 goals, 42 assists) in 66 games. Then, after being assigned to Columbus's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, he again returned to Djurgården for the 2004-05 season.
Although widely considered one of the best Norwegian ice hockey players of all times, Knutsen might be best remembered for his involvement in a 2002 accident, where his shot was deflected and hit 13-year old Brittanie Cecil in the audience at Nationwide Arena, causing her death.
He retired due to injury in July 2005. At the news of his retirement the director of Djurgården called him one of the greatest players in the history of the club. After his retirement, Knutsen moved back to his native Oslo, where he lives with his family. He is currently an assistant coach with Vålerenga, the team where he started his career.
