After the Buffalo Sabres use their second-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, the team will pick again in the first round, using the 21st overall selection. Providing the team doesn’t trade the pick for something like a top-six winger or a goaltender, they could use that pick in the NHL Draft to select Travis Konecny.
Konecny, 18, has spent the last two seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League.
The London, Ontario native made his OHL debut in the 2013-14 season, appearing in 63 games with Ottawa that year. He had 26 goals and 44 assists for 70 points in his rookie year.
As a rookie, Konecny led the 67’s in assists and points; his 26 goals were second only to Ryan Van Stralen. Five of his 26 goals came on the power play, and he averaged 1.11 points-per-game in his rookie year in the OHL.
He led all OHL rookies in goals and points and won the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year.
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This past year, his sophomore season in the OHL, saw Konecny put up 68 points in 60 regular season games. He had a career-high 29 goals and added 39 assists after being named captain of the 67’s.
Konecny’s 68 points were second-most on the 67s, just behind center Dante Salituro — with eight games fewer played. Konecny was also second in goals and assists.
Konecny also notched 10 points in five playoff games, tied with Jeremiah Addison and Salituro for the team lead. His seven assists were most on the team, tied with Brendan Bell.
Prior to joining the 67’s, Konecny played for Elgin-Middlesex Midget, AHMMPL and AHBPL. He appeared in the U-18 World Junior Championships in 2013, notching five points in seven games. He also had four points in five games at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge
This year, Konecny participated in both the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament – where he won gold – and the OHL Super Series. He also played in the CHL Top Prospects Game.
Curtis Joe of EliteProspects had this to say about Konecny:
"“A talented scoring forward that can play either as a center or on the wing; plays with the bite and intensity of a guy who is willing to do anything to win a game.”"
Joe also noted Konecny’s skating ability, “incredible hockey sense,” puck-handling skills and release on his shot.
Oh, and hockey runs in the family – Konecny’s second cousin is none other than Vancouver Canucks prospect Bo Horvat.
The folks at SB Nation say that Konecny:
"“…..is the type of player destined to be a fan favorite due to his energy and gritzz, but he has a lot of attractive offensive and defensive tools that make him more than just a character pick. He is another natural center, but he’s a player that will almost certain be a full-time right winger if and when he makes the show."
Below, here’s a video of some highlights of Konecny from his rookie season in the OHL.
Konecny enters the NHL Draft ranked 14th overall by NHL Central Scouting. While there’s a chance that he isn’t available when the Buffalo Sabres hit the podium at 21st, if he is, the Sabres wouldn’t do too badly if they chose to pick up the Ottawa 67’s captain.
Next: NHL Draft Profile: Kyle Connor
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