Conner Bleackley

June 2019 – Bleackley did not get a qualifying offer from the Blues which means he becomes an unrestricted free agent.  Jokke Nevalainen

April 2018 – There are some prospects you just pull for, Bleackley is one of those examples. The re-drafted center/winger continues to try and keep himself in the prospect conversation. Bleackley completely dominated the ECHL with the Blues new affiliate the Tulsa Oilers, having put up 38 points in 40 games along with 82 penalty minutes. The productive season in Tulsa earned Bleackley time in the AHL with both the Chicago Wolves and the San Antonio Rampage. He has struggled to replicate his success from the ECHL to the American League but it is hard to ignore his near point per game pace over the course of 2017-18 for Tulsa. Perhaps Bleackley’s ceiling is being an AHL depth forward but it’s far too early to rule out the possibility he could be a late bloomer. Josh Epstein

September 2017 – after being traded to the St. Louis Blues, Bleackley is slated to begin the season with the Chicago Wolves.  His play in 2016-2017 with the Chicago Wolves doesn’t give much optimism for an NHL career. In 45 games Bleackley had two goals and eight assists.  Doug Abrams

October 2016 – The twice-drafted Bleackley will begin his pro career in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves. He’ll likely need to spend at least a full year or two down there and show that his offensive ability can translate to a higher level. Brad Phillips

July 2016 – Bleackley has put pen to paper and signed an entry-level deal with the Blues. They obviously see something that his previous rights holders, Colorado and Arizona, did not. It’s been a steady decline production wise since he was a first round selection of the Avs in 2014. Headed to the AHL for the upcoming season, time will tell if it was money well spent for St. Louis. Brad Phillips.

June 2016 – Bleackley’s declining status as an NHL prospect caused him to be traded from the Avalanche to the Coyotes at the trade deadline – and the Coyotes only took the deal because they would get a second-round compensatory pick if they didn’t sign him. Which of course they didn’t. The Blues thought the former first rounder was worth taking a chance on in the fifth round at 144th overall in the 2016 draft. Time will tell if he can find some of his old magic. Dobber

June 2016 – The Coyotes have decided to not sign Bleackley to a entry-level deal and he will re-enter the 2016 Draft. Their were rumours that the only reason Arizona aquired the former first round pick was for the compensatory second round pick they would get for not signing Bleackley. To give him credit after a nightmare 2015-16 season,(captaincy stripped, 46 points-good for seventh on the Red Deer Rebels alone, knee injury and wrist surgery) Bleackley did return from injury for the Memorial Cup and had a strong tournament. Keith Duggan

February 2016 – Bleackley has been traded to the Arizona Coyotes in a four-player deal. After being demoted from captain to assistant captain, he currently has 41 points in 47 games in his final WHL-eligible season, just under his points pace set last year. Hayden Soboleski

October 2015 – Bleackley has had the captaincy of the Rebels taken away from him and now wears an A instead. Having responsibility taken away is never a good sign, but management said they hope taking this burden off Bleackley’s shoulders allows him to focus more on his progression on the ice. This in Bleackley’s last season to earn an entry-level contract from Colorado, hopefully this wake-up call is what he needs to elevate his game.

October 2015 – Bleackley has been assigned to the Red Deer Rebels for the 2015-16 season, where he will once again serve as team captain. He was a longshot battling for a bottom-six role with the Avalanche in training camp, and his skating still requires work so this assignment is not surprising. That being said, his excellent shot and penalty-killing in the pre-season surely caught the attention of Colorado brass. Hayden Soboleski

August 2015 – Bleackley was a member of the Team Canada U20 squad for the World Junior Summer Showcase, acting as Assistant Captain for one of the two squads competing for Canada. He tallied one assist in two games, and showed off his responsibility with lots of time on the penalty-kill unit. Hayden Soboleski

May 2015 – After a poor training camp showing and being called out by Patrick Roy for poor fitness, Bleackley returned to the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL to work on his skating and hockey sense. He played only 51 games due to a groin injury, but notched 27 goals, 22 assists, and 49 PIM as team captain. He appears to be becoming a more comfortable offensive producer while maintaining his highly praised intangible/leadership qualities. Hayden Soboleski

June 2014 – The Colorado Avalanche selected Conner Bleackley 23^rd overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

February 2014 – As Rebel’s Captain, Bleackley is a diligent attentive forward capable of contributing in all three zones. His strong character, trust-worthy defensive acumen and non-stop motor earn him plenty of opportunities. Producing at over a point-per-game pace, Bleackley has shown sound offensive skills but he’s fairly average in that department and his skating could stand to gain another gear. Bleackley projects as a versatile energy forward with admirable intangibles capable of playing in a top-six role. Brendan Ross