GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 11: Kevin Connauton #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates with the puck against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 11, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
Photo Credit: Getty Images
This became a common theme earlier this season. The Flyers pluck off waivers…and the Flyers plucked…This time the Flyers plucked Kevin Connauton off waivers from the Florida Panthers. It’s not like Keith Yandle or Nick Seeler have been good as of late, and deserve the 6th/7th defensive spot. Connauton was plucked for these purposes, and to add physicality to the lineup.
A native of Edmonton, AB, CAN, Connauton stands at 6’2 and weighs 205 pounds. He is physical, and Connauton had NHL experience, which became intriguing for Chuck Fletcher. Connauton suited up in 13 games with the Panthers this season, and of course he has registered 28 hits for the Panthers. For the Flyers, Connauton has registered 22 hits and 14 blocked shots in 14 games played. The guy can throw down the mitts with the best of them too, and that may also be a reason why Fletcher scooped him up. When you think of the Metropolitan Division you have the likes of Jared MCann, Ryan Reaves, and Tom Wilson.
Connauton, 31, is an NHL journeyman, who has officially played for his seventh franchise in his NHL career. He is known for his hitting, grit, and just being a hard-nosed player to play against.
Drafted out of Western Michigan of the NCAA in 2009 in the third round by the Vancouver Canucks, Connauton was drafted as a defenseman with good size and great skating ability. He was also added earlier in his career via trade with the Dallas Stars for Derek Roy, and a second round pick
Connauton may not have the wheels like he once used to have, but he is very good at leading the rush and jumping up when he senses a chance to create an odd-man chance. He is a skilled puck moving Defenseman that possesses a good shot from the point.
Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher continues to revamp the team with physicality. Unfortunately, Connauton will not play tomorrow, per Mike Yeo. However, the good news is Connauton may skate tomorrow after leaving Saturday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks after a heavy hit.
“Obviously what I saw it did not look too good,” that’s all the media was left with in regards to Connauton’s injury on Saturday. Hopefully he skates tomorrow, and is able to play later this week after this ugly hit.
This native of Canada in Connauton is not afraid to stick up for his teammates. That is what separates him from a lot of players. He can lay a big hit, and provides much needed energy when he is on the ice. Connauton apparently does not take a shift off, and will do what is necessary to win the hockey game.
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