In this edition of “Potential Future Flyers”, we will take a look at second year Pro Center Connor Bunnaman. Bunnaman has of course already caught the eyes of some fans this season putting up very adequate stats in 21 games of play. In those 21 games played, he has one goal, and one assist for two points, and a plus 7 rating. Bunnaman started the season off with the Flyers, after he and fellow Phantoms teammate Carsen Twarynski thoroughly impressed during camp. Both players were sent down for some more seasoning after a short cup a coffee in the NHL. Bunnaman has looked more ahead of Twarynski from a development standpoint, as he appears to have a more polished game at this present time. He is a developing two-way forward, even though struggling some at +/- in the AHL the past two seasons, this season he was also injured for a month and half, so that could have factored into the situation, as well. His low plus minus play is also just highly credited to the fact that he was still learning exactly what his pro style game would become, and if the 21 games in the NHL this season prove anything it is that his hard-work has paid off in a big way.
Bunnaman’s began his first season with the Phantoms in 2018-19, where totaled 19 goals, and 13 assists for 32 points with a – 10 rating. According to Bill Meltzer, in his Player Profile segment on him, Bunnaman’s primary focus of the 2019 offseason was conditioning. Moreover, according to Meltzer, Bunnaman lowered his body fat percentage, therefore increasing his stamina. These are just some examples that show Bunnaman’s top notch work ethic. Bunnaman also worked out in Voorhees with Joel Farabee and Twarynski in the Summer of 2019, as well. His work ethic paid off in a big way as he made a great first impression with coaches, thus making the Flyers out of camp as a fourth round second year pro. Unfortunately, after being sent back to the Phantoms in late October, Bunnaman unfortunately got injured with a high ankle sprain after playing in just one game. This kept him out of the lineup until the final day of November. This really set back Bunnaman, and this unfortunate injury never allowed him to truly get back into a groove right away, especially as he was still feeling the effects from the ankle injury. Finally, in January Bunnaman started feeling better, although still not 100%, per Meltzer.
The young prospect in Bunnaman, struggled overall in the AHL this season with six goals, and three assists for nine points in only 29 games played (Mainly due to injury). He also had a +/- of -21 to go along with it, but that -21 is of course due to readjusting into the lineup after injury, plus also the fact that he was still feeling the injury when he eventually re-entered the lineup. Bunnaman’s hard work paid off though yet again before getting called back up on January 12th. His stats in January were three goals and one assist for four points in five total games before getting recalled back to the Flyers. His work ethic showed yet again as Bunnaman was able to win puck battles, and he was also able to be the pesky player he always truly was. Bunnaman, when called upon by the Flyers in the second half of the season, stepped up and played very adequately as the teams fourth line Center.
That moves us to our final points, where Bunnaman projects in future NHL lineups, as well as, the potential to be in the Flyers lineup this postseason. First things first, now that the Flyers are allowed to have 28 players going into the postseason, plus an unlimited amount of Goaltenders. Bunnaman is likely going to be one of the black aces, now however, whether he plays or not remains to be seen. If his number is called upon Flyers fans should be confident he can fit into the fourth line Center role, and play it well once again just like he did prior to being sent back to the Phantoms in February. Bunnaman, is a guy that like Mark Friedman who the last “Potential Future Flyers” article was written on plays the game the right way. He is effective on the forecheck, as well as, at reading plays to lead to some key takeaways. Those two traits alone, set him up to become a potentially very effective penalty killer one day.
All in all, from examining Bunnaman’s career since Juniors with the Kitchener Rangers, watching many of his games and highlights since turning pro. He could become a steady two-way 3rd line forward in the NHL. For the Flyers, due to the depth within the farm system. Bunnaman might have to spend extra time in a 4th line role, where he has already proven to be effective and will only get better. He is steady on the defensive end, while also having sneaky and still developing offensive skills at the pro level. Bunnaman has quickly become on of my favorite players to watch reminding me some of fellow Flyer Scott Laughton, who was also lauded for his great work ethic (and still is). Bunnaman, like Laughton is also a player who can potentially move to the Wing in the future if needed, since the Flyers of course have Center Nolan Patrick coming back (Hopefully soon), and fellow teammate Morgan Frost knocking on the door, as well. All that we know for certain is that Bunnaman has played himself into a role going forward, whether that is in this year’s postseason, or starting next season remains to be seen. Wherever he is slotted back into the lineup, look for Bunnaman to be a guy who might take a little time to adjust, but when given time due to his style of play could become another bottom six fan favorite just like Michael Raffl and Laughton to name a few. Bunnaman’s trek to the NHL should teach us all a valuable lesson that working our hardest to achieve our dreams will ultimately pay off in the end in some way shape or form. For Bunnaman, that is giving him the chance to play hockey at the highest level.
Below you can see his first career NHL goal scored from his money making position in front of the net. Like Friedman, Bunnaman is another player I highly look forward to seeing progress. Stay safe and well everyone.
