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Winnipeg Jets Number Five Prospect: Kyle Connor

By Andrei Lutz |

We have written several articles here at Hockey at the Forks about the Winnipeg Jets’ top draft pick in that of Kyle Connor. Connor holds the number five spot on our countdown and today we are going to bring to you the very reason that we believe Kyle Connor (C) is deserving of the fifth spot on our countdown of the Jets’ top prospects.

Kyle Connor was selected 17th overall during the first round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2015. During his past season with the Youngstown Phantoms we saw Kyle Connor record 34 goals and 46 assists for a total of 80 points in only 56 games played. This past season with the Phantoms was not even Connor’s best, during the 2013-2014 season he amassed a total of 74 points with 31 goals and 43 assists in 56 games played.

Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets /

Winnipeg Jets

Robert Nasso of Today’s Slapshot had this to say about Connor in his scouting report,

“The prototypical two-way forward, Connor excels in all three zones of the ice, and in any situation. His elite vision and hockey sense make him best-suited at the center position, where he can see the ice best and decide whether to make the pass or shoot. An exceptional passer, Connor has a very underrated power and accurate shot as well, making him both a lethal playmaker and sniper. His puckhandling skills allow for maximum creativity, and his speed and boundless energy make him difficult to contain.” -Robert Nasso

For more about this article click here.

In an article posted earlier this month by the Hockey Writers with author Sean Olinkin it was discussed the many surprises of the Jets’ development camp with Kyle Connor standing as one of the focuses.

“The Jets first pick in this year’s draft came exactly as promised. Picked 17th overall, the Jets and scouts all around raved about his speed and offensive upside. Being in the USHL, most Canadian fans never had a chance to see him play, so for most this was a first impression. It was a good one. Connor showed off speed and skill all week, and in the scrimmage in particular, really showed that he is also very reliable defensively, a big plus for a player this young. The Jets will not rush Connor, who led all skaters with 80 points in 56 games this year, his third USHL season. He is committed to the University of Michigan and will continue his development with the Wolverines, but it certainly appears that the NHL will be in his not too distant future.” -Sean Olinkin

For more on this article on the Jets’ development camp click here.

Fellow Hockey at the Forks Editor  had this to say about Connor in an article he posted earlier this month,

“The first thing scouts talk about with Connor is his speed, which is noted as top-end in almost every scouting report on file.” –

For more on this article click here. Also be sure to check out our draft analysis from early this month where we discussed the future of the newly drafted Jets.

What do you guys think? Is Kyle Connor going to work out to be all he was cracked up to be? Or is he a bust who does not deserve the fifth spot on our countdown? Comment below and join in on the discussion!

Next: Winnipeg Jets Number Six Prospect: Joel Armia

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