Photo Credit: Getty Images
This has become a common theme this year evidently. The Flyers pluck…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 has NHL experience. Connauton has suited up in 13 games with the Panthers season, and of course he has registered 28 hits for the Panthers. 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. Now enter Connauton, the Flyers have to match the toughness of the division.
Connauton, 31, is an NHL journeyman, who will now play 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. Connauton will see time against the more physical teams, and at times he will be the seventh Defenseman. He takes over a role that when healthy Samuel Morin would be utilized for.
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.
Some people may have not have heard about Connauton, but hopefully he can stabilize the backend. Hopefully the Flyers can right the ship from this horrible start to the season.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
