Kyle Connor
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Line Forward
STRENGTHS
Shot: Connor uses his lightning-quick release to fool goaltenders with his wrister. He also boasts a hellacious and accurate one-timer from the right circle. In tight, he favors deception over power, shooting off-rhythm to either outwait netminders or beat them to the punch. He converts at a great clip overall.
Offensive Instincts: He consistently puts himself in position to score, gliding from the slot to the dirty areas depending on how the play is materializing. Though he’s primarily a marksman, he won’t insist on pulling the trigger at all costs. He’s an underrated and crafty playmaker as well.
Skating: When he’s granted any daylight, he’ll make you pay. He’s dynamic and explosive in open ice, flying through the neutral zone to obtain rush opportunities. And he gets a lot of them because there’s no catching him once he gathers a head of steam.
WEAKNESSES
Defense: As potent as he is offensively, Connor is a mess on the defensive side. He coasts rather than looking to disrupt puck-carriers and is no stranger to flying the zone in hopes of finding a straight lane to the opposition’s slot. He has tools to be decent in his end, but he chooses not to be.
Decision-Making: Connor’s puck management is suboptimal. He frequently tries low-percentage passes or gets squeezed off possession because he doesn’t see his outlets. His shot selection is also questionable at times—particularly on the power play.
