EVERETT, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 16: Winnipeg Ice forward Connor McClennon #94 carries the puck at center ice in overtime at Angel of the Winds Arena on November 16, 2019 in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)
There was no denying that the Flyers were in need of a goal scorer this past offseason, and Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher has been on record saying that he would love to add a top six player. However, he did say it’s not realistic to add this need through trade or free agency due to the flat-cap, but there is one way to do it, add this piece through the draft.
When a goal scorer comes to mind within the Flyers system it could be Connor McClennon, a young 18-year-old that stands at 5’8 and weighs 163 pounds. He is a boom or bust type pick and he could change the overall landscape of the farm system and team in the future if this pick pans out. One addition, yes the addition of McClennon, a natural goal scorer, a young man who knows and is not afraid to shoot the puck, one that doesn’t hesitate to get to the greasy areas to score a goal. That’s what McClennon provides, he is a competitor, “Overall improving my strength,” McClennon said on what he needs to improve to make the next jump, “Being a smaller guy making the next step, even in juniors, that’s what I need to focus on. The biggest thing for me is to get bigger and stronger, but focus on both ends of the ice in Winnipeg.”
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This young goal scorer will shoot the puck from anywhere on the ice. McClennon is a sharpshooter that is highly accurate, with elite goal scoring abilities. He was on fire in with the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL before breaking his collarbone as he finished the season with 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points in 42 games played. McClennon could become a nice player in the future and he is a solid skater:
“I model my game after Travis Konecny,” McClennon said, “He has a shoot first mentality. Even if he wasn’t a Flyer he would be good to model my game after. He’s a proven goal scorer at the highest level.” – Connor McClennon
McClennon could use some work with his first step, but he is a solid skater nonetheless. He is a good board battler, can play the penalty kill, is smart with his positioning, and is quick in transition and he credits Ryan Smith for helping him out:
“My favorite NHL player of all time is Ryan Smyth. He’s always really good to me. Ever since I met him I wore/wear the number 94. He was such a nice guy to me when I was young, and gave me some good advice to continue to do what I’m doing.”– Connor McClennon said to Jamey Baskow
The Flyers could use this lethal Right-Winger…like asap (As soon as possible). McClennon could have been snagged in the third round, but his injury set him back in the draft. He is a puck possession machine that has extremely good hands, and has acute vision of the ice. McClennon can make something out of nothing in tight spaces, and that is an area of need for the Flyers.
McClennon would be a farmer if it weren’t for hockey, “I’ve grown up on a farm my whole life here in Alberta. It’s something I’m passionate about. Hopefully, I stay in hockey fir as long as I can.” He is a Goaltender’s nightmare, and he will look good donning an orange and black sweater in the future.
