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Kyle Connor, LC |
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Shoots: L |
Height: 6-1 |
Weight: 183 |
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Born: 1996-12-09 |
Hometown: Shelby Township, MI, USA |
Drafted: 2015 by Winnipeg Jets, 17th overall |
Observations:
April 2018 – Connor is proving to be no fluke in his sophomore season with the Jets. The 21-year-old has set career highs in goals (29), assists (22) and points (51) through 72 games. With the Jets firmly in a playoff spot, Connor has played a significant role in getting them there, primarily when Mark Scheifele went down for an extended period of time this season. The young forward might be a hot commodity in fantasy hockey playoff pools this year as he continues to play on the top line with Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Jamie Zadow
February 2018 – This season has been a bit of a coming out party for Connor, thanks in large part to an injury to Jets star forward, Mark Scheifele. Connor has helped head coach Paul Maurice fill a void on that top line and he’s rewarded his bench boss to the tune of 18 goals and 35 points in 50 games. The 21-year-old has often been thought of as a great two-way prospect because of his tremendous speed, but he’s been thrust into a scoring role this season and answered the call nicely. Jamie Zadow
September 2017 – Connor has bounced around throughout the preseason between the third line and even got a taste of some first line action beside Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. It would appear that Connor will once again find himself in the Jets opening night roster as he looks to establish himself as a scoring winger in the bottom six that could push for some added powerplay time. – Jamie Zadow
May 2017 – Because of his natural skating ability and 200-ft. game Connor was possibly rushed a little this season to play in the NHL. He didn’t look out of place scoring five points in 20 games with the Jets, however it was evident there was still some development to do, which is why he flourished when sent back to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. As a top-liner with the Moose, Connor was able to make the most of his minutes and use his speed and puck handling skills to the most of his abilities on his way to 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 points in 52 games. – David Dickenson
October 2016 – After an impressive showing at rookie camp and training camps, Kyle Connor made the Winnipeg Jets' opening day 22-man roster for the 2016-17 season. – David Dickenson
September 2016 – Connor was projected to be a long-term prospect for the Jets, when they drafted him in 2015, but his play at the University of Michigan made him a must-sign prospect and put him on the express road to the NHL. Connor plays a dynamic two-way game, but it's his skating and vision which sets him apart and could help him land a spot on the Jets roster in his first year as a pro. – David Dickenson
April 2016 – After being drafted 17th overall in 2015, Kyle Connor had a stand out year playing for his hometown Michigan Wolverines, putting up an eye-popping 35 goals and 36 assists for 71 points. Most impressively, he was able to accomplish that feat in only 38 games played which helped him place second in the voting for the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player in the country, an extremely impressive feat for a rookie. That scoring pace, for comparison’s sake, was the same amount as Jack Eichel in his first year but in two fewer games.
Kyle Connor ended his season by signing a professional contract with the Winnipeg Jets and being named to the World Championship team for the U.S.A. He will likely begin next season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. – Aynsley Scott
June 2015 – The Winnipeg Jets continue their strong drafting reputation, albeit this time by virtue of favourable circumstances, after Kyle Connor dropped into their laps at 17th overall. Brendan Ross
May 2015 – After leading the USHL in points with 80 (56 games), Kyle Connor took home several accolades including USHL Forward of the Year, First All-Star Team nomination and USHL Player of the Year capping off a fantastic draft season. Connor is projected to be a first round selection and has the potential to be picked inside the Top 10. Brendan Ross
February 2015 – Highly energetic USHL pivot with slick puck handling ability, Kyle Connor drives the offense for the Youngstown Phantoms. Connor was a standout for Team USA at the 2014 Under-18 Tournament as an underage forward producing at a point-per-game and he’s clipping along over that rate in his third season with Youngstown. Named USHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 25th, Connor’s four goals and five points in three games added to his impressive season point totals. Connor sits at 19 goals and 48 points through 38 games which ranks him second in USHL scoring. Committed to the University of Michigan next year, Kyle Connor has a bright future as a two-way forward who’s capable of becoming a top line player at the next level based on his superb skating skills, strong hockey sense and driven motor. Brendan Ross
The NHL’s become a speed game again and Connor has that in spades. He’s been a little slower to adapt to the NHL game, but there’s little doubt he’ll be a point producer in the NHL soon enough.
Footage:
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Kyle Connor scores back-to-back goals:
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Kyle Connor – All American Prospects Game:
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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.
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