Kyle Connor —
Winnipeg Hockey Talk’s evaluations of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft top prospects continue today with our featured prospect Kyle Connor.
League: USHL Team: Youngstown Phantoms
Position: C/LW Shoots: Left
DOB: Dec.9, 1996 Birthplace: Shelby Township, MI
Height: 6’1 Weight: 185
2014-15 USHL Stats: Regular season
Games: 56 G: 34 A: 46 Pts: 80 PIM: 6 Plus/Minus: +3
Kyle Connor played this past season in the USHL for the Youngstown Phantoms.
Achievements:
1. Represented Team USA and won a Gold Medal at the 2013-14 U18 WJC.
2. Won the 2014-15 USHL scoring championship.
3. Named 2014-15 USHL “Player of the Year”.
Offensive Buzzwords
Kyle Connor would be considered a two-way center that is an excellent play-maker that can also put the puck in the net. He has terrific hands and creates time and space for his line-mates. Connor has elite level offensive hockey sense, sees the ice extremely well and makes plays at high-speed.
Skating
Kyle Connor is an elite level skater with better than average, speed, balance and agility. He is one of the better skaters in the first round.
#18 Kyle Connor: video – 3:27 seconds
Defensive Buzzwords
Kyle Connor works very hard on his defensive game and he is positionally sound. He plays a 200 ft. game, working hard in all three zones with a solid compete level.
Prospect Analysis
Kyle Connor is a slick play-maker that can also score. He has elite level hockey sense, a high compete level, and plays a 200 foot game. Connor is one of the better skaters in this years draft and should be a solid “Top Six” forward at the NHL level. He’s versatile and can play center or left-wing. He will be developing his game further in the NCAA at the University of Michigan and should be a solid pro in two to three years.
Projected: #12 – #16
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