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LBC Mock Draft: Kyle Connor goes 12th overall to the Dallas Stars

We’ve now passed the Florida Panthers‘ selection (Mikko Rantanen) in our LBC Mock Draft, but there are still 19 more picks to go until we finish.

Up next is the Dallas Stars, who had a rough year as an organization. They already had Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin on the roster, and an offseason trade brought Jason Spezza over from Ottawa. Despite this wealth of talent, the Stars failed to make the playoffs and will have a tough road to the postseason next year, as the Central Division has teams such as Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Winnipeg that must give if Dallas is going to make the playoffs.

They’ll be looking to add another piece to their organization in this year’s draft, and so, with the 12th overall selection in the LBC Mock Draft, the Dallas Stars select:

Kyle Connor – C Youngstown Phantoms

The Stars have good prospect depth in all positions, and have the luxury of being able to take the best prospect available with this pick. Though you could make the case that other players would be a better fit in Dallas, it’s hard to argue that Connor isn’t the best prospect still on the board. The youngster racked up 80 (34G/46A) in 56 games with the USHL’s Phantoms to lead the league in scoring. Connor added 3 goals and an in assist in four postseason games. He’s a two-way center with tons of offensive skill, and these types of players just simply can’t be acquired easily.

From the scouts:

“A smart two-way forward who sets up his linemates with well-timed passes…is mature and intelligent with the puck, and does not rush a play no matter the pressure he is under…has impressive hands and vision, but it is the creativity and hockey sense that make him most dangerous…sees lanes opening and hits his targets consistently…also has a decent one-timer, but is definitely a pass-first guy… plays well away from the puck, constantly moving in order to get open…not overly physical…comes back deep into his own zone to make himself available…needs to add considerable strength, but the potential is there. (December 2014)”

Future Considerations

“Highly energetic USHL pivot with slick puck handling ability, Kyle Connor drives the offense for the Youngstown Phantoms. Connor was a standout for Team USA at the 2014 Under-18 Tournament as an underage forward producing at a point-per-game and he’s clipping along over that rate in his third season with Youngstown. Named USHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 25th, Connor’s four goals and five points in three games added to his impressive season point totals. Connor sits at 19 goals and 48 points through 38 games which ranks him second in USHL scoring. Committed to the University of Michigan next year, Kyle Connor has a bright future as a two-way forward who’s capable of becoming a top line player at the next level based on his superb skating skills, strong hockey sense and driven motor.”

Brendan Ross – Dobber Sports

“Was part of Team USA’s gold medal winning squad at the U18 World Championships last spring, putting up four goals and seven points in seven games last season. Connor is back with the Phantoms in the USHL this season and has had an excellent start with 18 goals and 44 points in 36 games. He is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2015-16 season. Connor is a very good skater, with excellent speed. He has extremely good stickhandling ability, and can make plays while moving at close to top speed. He is extremely agile, and uses this and his stickhandling ability to terrify defenders off the rush. Connor is an excellent playmaker who has the vision to spot the open man, and the skill to make passes through tight areas. He also is developping a good two-way game. While he’s not afraid to give, or take a hit, he must get stronger to be more effective at it, and to be better at protecting the puck down low.

The Los Angeles Kings are next with the 13th overall selection, but in the meantime, here’s a highlight video that showcases Connor’s talents.

Talking Points