Connor McClennon: One of the Brightest Winnipeg Ice Players

Player Overview: 

2019-20 Team: Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

Position: Right Wing 

Height: 5’8

Weight: 157lbs

Handenness: Right

Connor McClennon is one of the Winnipeg Ice’s top young players. Although he`s undersized, he still manages to be an effective player for his team. This year for the Winnipeg Ice, he posted 49 points in 42 games, on an above average team. But with guys like Matthew Savoie and Conor Geekie on the way, expect McClennon’s points to drastically increase. 

Offensive Abilities

Connor McClennon is a dual offensive threat for his team. He can either score or pass. He's a dangerous player due to his offensive ability. He doesn't have the speed like some players, but he has the offense. McClennon can shoot the puck from anywhere. It won't matter if it's a shot from either the blue line or around the net, Connor will find a way to get a good shot off so he can generate a scoring chance. He has a good release on his shot, making it harder for goalies to stop it. He also has good vision to help him navigate around the ice to find teammates. Unfortunately, his season was cut short, but next year, his production should definitely skyrocket due to young players like Connor Geekie and Matthew Savoie being on the team full time. 

Defensive Abilities: 

Since he’s a smaller player, Connor does get knocked off the puck when he’s trying to get it from a bigger player in and around the corners of his own end. As he gets older, bigger and stronger, he can win more puck battles. He can also play  on the penalty kill. He had one shorthanded goal and two shorthanded assists.

Future Projection: 

I think that McClennon will be drafted in the middle rounds of the draft. I think that he can become a solid top 9 forward on a championship team and someone who can play on your 2nd powerplay unit. I think his point total caps out at 55 in a career year at the NHL level.

Here’s a video showing Connor McClennon highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nq9Ey0M3k0

By: Luka Tkalcevic (Instagram: luka_tkalcevic, futurehockeystars)