Buffalo Sabres Potential Draft Picks: Kyle Connor

By Jacob D. Strozyk |

In the Buffalo Sabres Press Conference the other day, the status of Tim Murray’s decision of the 21st pick in the draft was discussed. In that discussion, Murray stated that he was willing to use it as is, but he is much more willing to move it in order to move up or to acquire a goaltender. For the sake of the argument, let’s say that Murray uses it to move up.

Related – Potential Prospects: Vince Dunn

Kyle Connor is without a doubt one of the most exciting players I’ve seen play the game this year, and should Tim Murray move up, here’s some reasons why Connor would be the premier choice for him.

Kyle Connor is an intelligent and smooth left wing player from the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. Praised for being the kind of player that meshes well with any other, he would be a valuable asset for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire.

Not only is he a great skater, but he is one of the smartest players in the draft this year. He has the ability to see the ice as a whole and make the best play possible at almost any time. Pair him up with almost any player and he will succeed. (I remember saying some of these things about Sam Reinhart last year).

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Kyle Connor is versatile and has very good playmaking and scoring vision. The fact that he plays on the wing is an even more enticing detail for the Buffalo Sabres because they are a little thin on top level scoring wingers. Connor would eventually fill into this role.

Ranked 13 on NHL.com’s North American Skaters list, Kyle Connor was the USHL’s top scoring player. He scored 34 goals and 46 assists in 56 games played. Those 80 points were a franchise record for his Youngstown team, and he was named the USHL’s Player of the Year.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie has him compared to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Brandon Saad. Hmm, so if Kyle is drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, they would have their top playmaking center in Sam Reinhart (who draws comparisons to Jonathan Toews) a top scoring forward with the last name Kane (Evaner Kane to be exact), and then another highly skilled winger to compliment them both.

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Kyle Connor is assumed to go 13th overall by TSN, and that is a bit of a stretch from the Buffalo Sabres 21st pick, but if the price is right, Tim Murray should take a shot and pick this kid up.

Connor has smooth hands, great hockey sense, a great release, good playmaking ability, and very quick feet. He is relentless on the puck and never gives up on the play. Personally, I would compare him to a player like Brandon Saad myself. The overall skilled package of playmaking and scoring is a dangerous combination that would only be made even more dangerous by playing with the likes of Sam Reinhart.

Should the Buffalo Sabres pick him in this year’s draft, they would not be wasting a pick by any means.

Take a look at some of the highlights that Kyle Connor had this past year and decide for yourselves. Would you want to see a skilled scoring winger play in the Blue and Gold? I surely would.

Next: Players Year In Review: Josh Gorges

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