2015 NHL Draft: Kyle Connor selected by the Winnipeg Jets
By @MichaelCaples –
Just a few picks after his former (and potentially future) teammate was picked, Kyle Connor heard his name called.
Connor, a Shelby Township native, was selected by the Winnipeg Jets at No. 17 overall in the 2015 NHL Draft Friday night in Florida.
“It’s unbelievable,” Connor said on the official NHL Draft show on NBCSN. “The first thing that comes to mind is all the support from my family and friends that have supported me the whole way. I can’t even put it into words. It’s a great feeling.”
The Youngstown Phantoms forward, fresh off being named USA Hockey’s junior player of the year, is committed to the University of Michigan, where he could potentially join Zach Werenski once again. Werenski, selected No. 8 overall by Columbus, was Connor’s teammate during their Belle Tire youth hockey days.
Connor will have familiar faces in the Jets’ organization, as well, as the team has selected former Wolverines Jacob Trouba (2012) and Andrew Copp (2013) in recent years.
In Connor, the Jets get a player that posted 80 points in 56 USHL games this past season, leading his Phantoms to a regular-season title.
“He’s a solid two-way player and plays hard in both zones,” NHL Central Scouting’s Greg Rajanen said of Connor. “Nice stride and quickness and good in tight with the puck.”
Connor has been playing USHL hockey for the last three seasons, and he has posted points totals of 41, 74 and now 80.
In his final season with Belle Tire – midget minor in 2011-12 – Connor led his team in scoring with 53 points in 40 games. That roster featured the likes of Dylan Larkin, Brendan Perlini, Dylan Pavelek and Werenski.
The Connor file
Kyle Connor named USHL’s player (and forward) of the year
Kyle Connor becomes third player in USHL history to reach 50 career goals before 18th birthday
Video: Kyle Connor at the All-American Prospects Game
Tweets
With the 17th overall selection, the #NHLJets select Kyle Connor! Welcome to Winnipeg!
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 27, 2015
Congrats to Shelby Township native & @umichhockey commit @KyleConnor18, selected 17th overall by the Winnipeg #Jets! pic.twitter.com/aqMpJQ50Z1
— MiHockey (@MiHockeyNow) June 27, 2015