LW Kyle Connor - Michigan, NCAA (2015, 17th, WPG)

[YpsiWings]

Hehe. I'm not terribly worried about his defensive play in a Red Berensen system. He'll learn defensive positioning and how to play in his own end when he gets to the pros (hopefully next year).

Not sure what Reds system has to do with it. Larkin looked amazing in the defensive zone last year playing a more responsible position.

I agree he can learn positioning, and it's not like it was that bad tonight. Its just the only thing I saw that could use some work.

 

[CorgisPer60]

With some players it's just naturally a part of their game. Red Berenson doesn't teach defensive structures as far as I'm aware. Dylan Larkin was an exceptional two-way forward with the Wolverines, whereas Connor has much more scoring capabilities. Connor has a good head for the game, and I have no doubt that he will pick up his defensive responsibilities as he learns them in the pro game. With his speed and agility, he can close off passing lanes relatively quickly.

 

[YpsiWings]

Red Berenson doesn't teach defensive structures as far as I'm aware.

What makes you think this is true?

 

[Whileee]

I think Connor isn't as pro ready as Larkin. I still think there's a decent chance he's back at Michigan next year. He's got the offense, but has a way to go in his own zone, and he might still need more strength.

 

[YpsiWings]

I still think there's a decent chance he's back at Michigan next year

I disagree. Another year in the NCAA will not help his development, he will sign a contract and be in the AHL/NHL. The defensemen in the B1G cannot stop him, he is that good. I hate to use the cliche, but he really has nothing left to prove at Michigan.

Now if he wants a degree that's another story, and the only way I see him in Ann Arbor next year.

 

[Daximus]

I think Connor isn't as pro ready as Larkin. I still think there's a decent chance he's back at Michigan next year. He's got the offense, but has a way to go in his own zone, and he might still need more strength.

He won't need strength. He's got speed to separate himself from the opposition. Strength is for power forwards who lack speed. They use their body to create separation. Guys like Connor and Ehlers create separation with their skating. He'll gain enough strength in the off season if he trains hard just like Ehlers did. Not to much though. Don't want to slow down at all. His skating, speed and shot are NHL ready and that is all that matters to me.

 

[CorgisPer60]

What makes you think this is true?

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2010/01/22_kingsgm.php

He won't need strength. He's got speed to separate himself from the opposition. Strength is for power forwards who lack speed. They use their body to create separation. Guys like Connor and Ehlers create separation with their skating. He'll gain enough strength in the off season if he trains hard just like Ehlers did. Not to much though. Don't want to slow down at all. His skating, speed and shot are NHL ready and that is all that matters to me.

These echo my thoughts as to how Connor would be ready next year. I mean, look at Ehlers last year. Neither guy will be big and bulky. 'Gaining strength' is such a memetic phrase nowadays that most people liken it to strength training and bulking up. Connor will gain mass as he fills out naturally.

 

[YpsiWings]

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2010/01/22_kingsgm.php

Ahhhh, forgot about that. Lombardi's quotes are erroneous, erroneous on all accounts. You really believe a guy who played in the NHL for 17 seasons, and has been coaching for 32 years at Michigan doesn't care about defense? Red set a record for consecutive NCAA tourney appearances, it's not like he has been unsuccessful.

The really funny part is his proof is Jack Johnson. Blaming Berensen for Johnson's inefficiencies in his own zone is laughable.

 

[CorgisPer60]

You may be right about that, given the quote from the Jets GM in a new write-up about Kyle Connor.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was in attendance on Friday night and was quick to point out some improvements in Connor's game.

“He has come a long way in his defensive-zone play and awareness from when I saw him play earlier this season,†said Cheveldayoff.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2016/03/12/jets-prospect-kyle-connor-taking-major-strides-as-freshman

Now, how much of that is from his own ability to read and react to plays in the defensive zone, or if it's actual defensive zone coaching by the coaches there? Probably a combination of both, but at least it shows that Connor is exceptionally smart in his hockey IQ, and/or is very coachable.

 

[YpsiWings]

Now, how much of that is from his own ability to read and react to plays in the defensive zone, or if it's actual defensive zone coaching by the coaches there? Probably a combination of both, but at least it shows that Connor is exceptionally smart in his hockey IQ, and/or is very coachable.

No idea about the coachable part, never heard anything about that. However I am confident his hockey IQ is exceptionally high. He is consistently in the perfect spot on the ice, I think it is one of Connors biggest assets.

Sometimes a player comes along and it is apparent that they are always the most dangerous person on the ice. They just understand the game and get it. As a Michigan fan I am very fortunate to see that from two different players in consecutive years. Go just a little further back and you can add Trouba to that list too.

 

[Mathmew Purrrr Oh]

No idea about the coachable part, never heard anything about that. However I am confident his hockey IQ is exceptionally high. He is consistently in the perfect spot on the ice, I think it is one of Connors biggest assets.

Sometimes a player comes along and it is apparent that they are always the most dangerous person on the ice. They just understand the game and get it. As a Michigan fan I am very fortunate to see that from two different players in consecutive years. Go just a little further back and you can add Trouba to that list too.

I wish you were a Jets fan.

 

[YpsiWings]

I wish you were a Jets fan.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

For what it's worth I think the Jets are on the right track. I am a big fan of building through the draft, and I like most of Chevys picks. The Myers trade was a win.

I'm going to try and quote what I said in our GDT the other day verbatim(too lazy to look it up).
Winnipeg would forecheck us to death in a 7 game series, book is out on Detroit. The Jets are big, and they like to hit.

I watched the last Ducks Jets series, it was fantastic.

 

[CorgisPer60]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

For what it's worth I think the Jets are on the right track. I am a big fan of building through the draft, and I like most of Chevys picks. The Myers trade was a win.

I'm going to try and quote what I said in our GDT the other day verbatim(too lazy to look it up).
Winnipeg would forecheck us to death in a 7 game series, book is out on Detroit. The Jets are big, and they like to hit.

I watched the last Ducks Jets series, it was fantastic.

Too bad that the Jets used up almost everything to get to the playoffs and Pavelec turned back into a pumpkin. I mean, the Jets led for the vast majority of that series and couldn't even win one game. Bollocks, I say.

 

[Sweech]

I think Connor isn't as pro ready as Larkin. I still think there's a decent chance he's back at Michigan next year. He's got the offense, but has a way to go in his own zone, and he might still need more strength.

If we brought Ehlers in we can bring Connor in. Same strengths and weaknesses between them both.

 

[Sweech]

Ahhhh, forgot about that. Lombardi's quotes are erroneous, erroneous on all accounts. You really believe a guy who played in the NHL for 17 seasons, and has been coaching for 32 years at Michigan doesn't care about defense? Red set a record for consecutive NCAA tourney appearances, it's not like he has been unsuccessful.

The really funny part is his proof is Jack Johnson. Blaming Berensen for Johnson's inefficiencies in his own zone is laughable.

I don't think Berenson's record is any indication of defensive or systems training. He plays in a weak division and U of M get a ridiculous advantage in recruitment compared to other programs. It would be difficult for a coach to mess up with the talent they get to reel in year after year.

 

[YpsiWings]

I don't think Berenson's record is any indication of defensive or systems training. He plays in a weak division and U of M get a ridiculous advantage in recruitment compared to other programs. It would be difficult for a coach to mess up with the talent they get to reel in year after year.

I disagree. If you count academically and athletically Michigan is the best university in American history. Michigan does not accept failure, it is met with change until success is found. This is a football reference, using it to show the mindset of Michigan alumni, Rich Rod said and I quote, "Vince Lombardi couldn't fix this defense." He was subsequently fired after the season.

My point is how can a team set a record for consecutive NCAA tournament appearances without playing defense? I assume you watch enough hockey to know how important defense is to success.

 

[Sweech]

I disagree. If you count academically and athletically Michigan is the best university in American history. Michigan does not accept failure, it is met with change until success is found. This is a football reference, using it to show the mindset of Michigan alumni, Rich Rod said and I quote, "Vince Lombardi couldn't fix this defense." He was subsequently fired after the season.

My point is how can a team set a record for consecutive NCAA tournament appearances without playing defense? I assume you watch enough hockey to know how important defense is to success.

College athletics lack fine tuning inherently because of the schedule crunch between athletics and studies.

I'm glad you brought up the football reference because I'll do the same. Many players who must transition from NCAA football into NFL football have to learn a whole new way of playing.

Take the cornerback position, most programs, especially some of the very successful ones like Alabama never teach proper technique like how to properly back peddle and roll your hips, instead they teach shuffle techniques or likewise that do not work in the NFL.

So the point is NCAA success doesn't mean you're teaching players techniques that are conducive to the pro game, be that in hockey or football.

 

[garret9]

I think Connor isn't as pro ready as Larkin. I still think there's a decent chance he's back at Michigan next year. He's got the offense, but has a way to go in his own zone, and he might still need more strength.

Want to make a bet?

 

[YpsiWings]

So the point is NCAA success doesn't mean you're teaching players techniques that are conducive to the pro game, be that in hockey or football.

The original discussion started with Red Berensen not coaching defense at all. Now it is techniques that don't transfer. I'll play along. To think the entire game of hockey transfers from the NCAA to the NHL is insane. The difference in talent is extreme. The cycle game in college stays around the net where in the NHL it was consistently going blue line to blue line. Of course there is going to be a learning curve. It is a huge change. Detroit is seeing that with Larkin right now in schedule change. I'm not angry, it is what it is.

 

[ps241]

Well Connor didn't disappoint, 2 goals in a 7-1 win. He is dynamic in the neutral/offensive zone due to his skating and positioning. Consistently in the right place to make things happen.

His active stick forced a turnover for his first goal, and he got just enough on a one timer to score his second goal on the PP. On the PP he was usually set up on the right half-boards, sometimes drifting to the point.

His passes are sharp and on the tape, very crisp. Attempted a spin-o-rama in the 2nd period, he is creative and takes what the opposition will give. Connor makes the little smart plays, no issues with using his teammates.

My only concern is his play in the defensive zone. Connor wasn't bad by any means, just doesn't show the same tenacity defensively. Very minor complaint though, especially how amazing he is everywhere else. Jets fans should be ecstatic this guy fell to them at 17. He is going to be a superstar.

With some players it's just naturally a part of their game. Red Berenson doesn't teach defensive structures as far as I'm aware. Dylan Larkin was an exceptional two-way forward with the Wolverines, whereas Connor has much more scoring capabilities. Connor has a good head for the game, and I have no doubt that he will pick up his defensive responsibilities as he learns them in the pro game. With his speed and agility, he can close off passing lanes relatively quickly.

No idea about the coachable part, never heard anything about that. However I am confident his hockey IQ is exceptionally high. He is consistently in the perfect spot on the ice, I think it is one of Connors biggest assets.

Sometimes a player comes along and it is apparent that they are always the most dangerous person on the ice. They just understand the game and get it. As a Michigan fan I am very fortunate to see that from two different players in consecutive years. Go just a little further back and you can add Trouba to that list too.

Thank you for the detailed analysis YpsiWings very cool take on Connor. I was thrilled when Connor and Barzal fell to 16 and new we could get one of them (if Chevy didn't chunk it), I had them both in my top 10.

Interesting that you mentioned Connor may have more offensive capabilities than Larkin I would like to hear a bit more on that point of view if don't mind since Larkin has been nothing short of spectacular in his rookie season. Can't believe how smoothly he transitioned to the NHL. Not easy, well check that and add almost impossible for a teenager to make the wings let along crush it like Dylan has. You guys got a steal with that pick. "Tire pump alert" somewhere in our GDT for the 2014 draft I stated my preference for our 2014 draft pick (at #9) was Ehlers, Nylander, or Larkin and since I don't get it right very often I need to highlight my one moment of joy in predicting.

I fully believe Connor will transition to professional hockey next season and I assume it will be on the Jets but who knows. Larkin was a complete player last year and didn't have anything to learn entering the NHL other than Detroits system. He possessed all the skills of a 200 foot player. Connor like Ehlers will need to adjust his game a bit for his defensive resonsibilities. The advantage he has is speed and IQ those are both key skills for him to adapt. Ehlers is actually a really solid defender especially in transition it's just that was never prioritized as much in juniors because he was needed to score. I hope it's the same adjustment for Connor when I watch him for Michigan his line is so dominant that Motte and Compher can do a bit more of the heavy lifting on D and Connor is freed up more to be the lead counter attacker. I don't see Connor as being a lazy or bad defender just that his priorities are more offensive by nature due to being on a top offensive line.

Anyways thank you for the scouting report that looks like a great building to watch a game in. Best of luck the rest of the way for Michigan.

 

[YpsiWings]

Interesting that you mentioned Connor may have more offensive capabilities than Larkin I would like to hear a bit more on that point of view

Anyways thank you for the scouting report that looks like a great building to watch a game in. Best of luck the rest of the way for Michigan.

Yost is amazing, the NHL could learn a thing or two about atmosphere from college games. Thank you for the kind words, you're welcome. I was keeping my eyes on 18 anyhow, not a problem. After Corgis60Per posted that link to the Winnipeg article I went back and checked post times. Sounded a little too similar.

I stand by Connor>Larkin o-zone
Larkin>Connor d-zone

Larkin is a 200 foot player, he is committed defensively. I doubt you will ever see that with Connor. What you will see is elite offensive skills, and when talking about this kind of talent on the wing, who cares how good they are in their own zone? I'm being a little facetious of course, but you get my point. Both players are different, but equally important pieces to winning the Cup.

In their primes I see Larkin as a 60 point Center who is excellent defensively. Connors ceiling is a PPG winger, I have seen nothing that makes me think his game won't translate to the league.

 

[YpsiWings]

Too bad that the Jets used up almost everything to get to the playoffs and Pavelec turned back into a pumpkin. I mean, the Jets led for the vast majority of that series and couldn't even win one game. Bollocks, I say.

That series was much closer than the box score would indicate, any hockey fan that watched could see that. There is something majestic about two enormous teams destroying each other, and the Ducks and Jets did just that.

 

[ps241]

Yost is amazing, the NHL could learn a thing or two about atmosphere from college games. Thank you for the kind words, you're welcome. I was keeping my eyes on 18 anyhow, not a problem. After Corgis60Per posted that link to the Winnipeg article I went back and checked post times. Sounded a little too similar.

I stand by Connor>Larkin o-zone
Larkin>Connor d-zone

Larkin is a 200 foot player, he is committed defensively. I doubt you will ever see that with Connor. What you will see is elite offensive skills, and when talking about this kind of talent on the wing, who cares how good they are in their own zone? I'm being a little facetious of course, but you get my point. Both players are different, but equally important pieces to winning the Cup.

In their primes I see Larkin as a 60 point Center who is excellent defensively. Connors ceiling is a PPG winger, I have seen nothing that makes me think his game won't translate to the league.

Thanks, both roles are essential pieces on a contending team but very different.

 

[Gump Hasek]

Jets prospect Kyle Connor taking major strides as freshman
http://www.winnipegsun.com/2016/03/12/jets-prospect-kyle-connor-taking-major-strides-as-freshman

The offensive numbers make it obvious that Connor can do some dynamic things in the offensive zone.

But ultimately, it's his play without the puck that is going to earn the trust of the coaching staff and allow him to move into a top-six role at the next level.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was in attendance on Friday night and was quick to point out some improvements in Connor's game.

“He has come a long way in his defensive-zone play and awareness from when I saw him play earlier this season,†said Cheveldayoff.

 

[AmericanDream]

Connor has been doing this for years. I have been talking about this kid since I can remember. He really hasn't changed much since his Belle Tire days in Michigan.

The only knock on him I have ever had as that at times he looked disinterested out there and that he had this other gear he could go to when he wanted to..he just made things look so easy that you always wanted more and felt he could do more.

after watching him this year at Michigan that is completely gone as he is a three zone player that doesn't take a shift off, float out there, or purely rely on his skill. he makes and creates offense out there. players like this transition to the NHL very smoothly.

I was floored he fell to where he did in the draft, I had him well inside my top 10, but players coming out of the USHL don't always get the recognition they deserve.

I wouldn't be shocked one bit if the asking price for Andrew Ladd involved Chevy wanting to get Tyler Motte from the Hawks in that trade. It would make so much sense for Chevy to want to get Motte and have him in the system with Connor to continue the insane chemistry they have. As a Hawks fan very happy we kept Motte as he will be a NHLer very soon.

Kyle "The Terminator" Connor is set to destroy the NHL very soon. He will not be back at Michigan next year just like Larkin did this season. I can't wait to see this kid at the next level and possible Rookie of the Year honors if given a legit top 6 chance.