Friday, June 26, 2015
Phantoms’ Connor projected as top-14 pick
With all the uncertainty surrounding Kyle Connor’s eventual landing spot in tonight’s NHL Draft, there’s no question where the highly regarded prospect wants to be next year.
“I want to go to [the University of] Michigan,” said Connor, who finished his USHL career as the all-time leading scorer in Youngstown Phantoms history.
“I’m going to Michigan next year and I’m really excited about it and looking forward to it.”
Connor, a native of Shelby Township, Mich., grew up watching the Wolverines and always dreamed of one day playing for college hockey’s most-decorated program.
Although tonight that dream will take a back seat to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Connor, along with a large gathering of family and friends, will be patiently waiting to hear his name called as the NHL Draft gets underway with the first round at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla.
Projected by many to be a lottery pick as one of the first 14 players taken, Connor said he was going to approach the process with an open mind and hope for the best. It’s unlikely his wait will be too long, as many scouting services rank Connor as the best American forward not named Jack Eichel.
“I think he will end up as one of the best players in this draft,” USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson told USA Today.
“His offensive instincts are fantastic as both a scorer and a playmaker.”
Plenty of reviews like that one can be found on Connor, whose stock started to rise this winter in Youngstown. Pro scouts took notice of his individual efforts and the team’s success.
Connor won the USHL scoring title with 80 points on 34 goals and 46 assists, earning him player of the year honors in the league. He was also the leader on a Phantoms team that won 17 games in a row and earned the Anderson Cup for the best record in the regular season.
“We want him to succeed as best he can and we’re extremely happy for him,” said Phantoms teammate Josh Melnick.
“He’s gonna do great things. I’ll be watching the draft, as I’m sure everyone on the team will be, cheering him on. I’m sure he’ll have at least 23 texts from all of the guys right after.”
Connor finished his USHL career with 195 points on 82 goals and 113 assists in 174 regular-season games.
One scout compared Connor to Los Angeles Kings winger Marian Gaborik, telling The Hockey News, “In my years of scouting, he’s the most gifted puck handler I’ve seen at this level.”
The comparison to Gaborik has a chance to be tested first-hand, as one NHL.com staff writer has Connor going to the Kings with the No. 13 pick in his mock draft. Another has him off the board one pick ahead to the Dallas Stars.
“I will be watching, I’ll be rooting for Kyle,” said Phantoms teammate Ryan Lomberg.
“I know we’re all excited for him. He’s got the world in front of him and the sky’s the limit for that kid.”
The Phantoms have never had a player selected in the first round of the draft.