Conor Geekie

June 2023- To start the 2022-23 campaign, WHL Winnipeg coach James Patrick had Geekie not logging as much ice time as you would expect from a first-round pick. He was even relegated to the second play unit. Geekie’s challenge was to use his bigger frame (6-4) better and playing a good 200-foot game instead of just all offence. As the year went along, Geekie saw his playing time increase as he earned his coach’s trust. He finished with 35 goals and 77 points in 66 games, solid totals after his slow start offensively. His Winnipeg ICE made it to the WHL finals, losing to fellow Coyote prospect Dylan Guenther’s Seattle Thunderbirds in five games. He put up six goals and 17 points in 19 games. Skating is Geekie’s biggest weakness but much like his brother, Seattle forward Morgan, it’s not bad enough to hold back. Look for a dominant final WHL season from Geekie before he turns pro. Keith Duggan

November 2022- While Geekie has played well, offensively he has not taken off like many expected to start the campaign. Currently he has 12 goals and 22 points in 21 games which is pretty far down the WHL top scorer list. The Coyotes are still pleased with Geekie and remain very high on his game. Keith Duggan

July 2022- The Coyotes wasted little time this offseason, signing their 11th overall pick from this year’s past draft Geekie to a three-year entry level contract. “We are very pleased to sign Conor to an entry-level contract,” said Arizona GM Bill Armstrong. “He is a big, skilled, two-way center with good vision and a strong hockey IQ. We look forward to watching his development.” Keith Duggan

July 2022 – The Arizona Coyotes traded up to 11th overall in order to select Geekie with their second pick in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

December 2021 – Geekie has been productive through the first couple months of the WHL season but his overall play hasn’t taken the step forward expected out of a potential top-1o pick. He is still working to improve his stride and overall mobility, and while he has plenty of offensive skill, adding some quickness to his game would certainly raise his floor as an NHL prospect. Nick Richard

September 2021 – After being held without a point in his first seven games of WHL action back in 2019-20, Conor Geekie was one of Winnipeg’s top offensive performers in 2020-21. Through 24 games in his draft-1 season, he scored nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points while playing just over 15 minutes per game. Geekie should be an integral part of the Ice’s offensive attack in what will hopefully be a full season in 2021-22.

Geekie is a supremely gifted offensive player who is blessed with great physical tools, standing at 6-4 and weighing 205 pounds. His strength and wingspan often allow him to simply overmatch opponents at the junior level and he has plenty of skill to make good on his opportunities. The towering forward has elite hands – especially for his size – and can make opposing defenders look silly in one-on-one situations. Geekie has a powerful wrist shot that he can release off of curl and drag dekes but can also get it off of his stick quickly in tight. He uses his puck skills to manipulate passing lanes, changing angles and completing area passes. Opponents have to respect Geekie’s puck skills and he has the awareness to draw defenders to him in order to create more space for his teammates in scoring areas. His strength and reach are useful in contested puck situations along the boards where he is often able to keep opponents on his back to come away with possession. Geekie shows good competitiveness as well, throwing his weight around on the forecheck and battling in the tough areas of the ice. He can, however, be knocked off the puck a bit too often as he is still growing into his body and needs to improve his balance. The one thing that is holding Geekie back is his clunky skating stride. He has poor extension and an inefficient stride recovery, and though he is able to power around defenders in junior, he will need to improve his explosiveness and agility to take full advantage of his offensive skillset as he progresses. All in all, there is a lot to like about Geekie’s game and his size/skill combination will draw plenty of interest early in the 2022 NHL Draft. Nick Richard