And with what is likely their last pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Flyers grabbed right-winger Connor McClennon.
After trading away their two seventh-round picks, the Flyers stepped up for what is likely their last pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. They decided to draft right-winger Connor McClennon of the Winnipeg Ice. His successful Bantam career saw him drafted second overall into the WHL back in 2017.
He, unfortunately, had what was looking to be a hot season ended early thanks to a broken collarbone in January. After a slow start, the Ice assistant captain had posted 21 goals and 49 points in 48 games. McClennon had already more than bested his totals from a season ago in four fewer games. He took a 20-point leap from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign.
McClennon brings a high-energy game and a large goal-scoring ability to the ice each night. But he isn’t just all about scoring as he can also jump to the playmaking side of the game. Despite his raw talents, he has shown the ability to step up at each level he has been a part of.
He has even been able to produce on the international stage as well. Playing for Team Canada White at the WHC-17, McClennon was outstanding in five games. He grabbed eight goals and 11 points overall. He was first on the squad in goals and points. McClennon led the tournament in those categories as well.
McClennon has the chance to be a boom or bust prospect, but that is the risk you end up taking with players selected in the bottom rounds of the draft. He will need to get stronger to be able to compete in the dirty areas on the ice. One has to wonder how wary he might be to do that now having to come back from the collarbone injury. Otherwise, he is an offensive threat whenever he has the puck.
He will be starting next season overseas with Karlskrona HK, the third tier of hockey in Sweden. However, he is expected to be back in time for the start of the WHL season which has a start date of December 4th. He should once again have a chance to be one of the top producers for Winnipeg when he returns.
The ceiling is high for McClennon as the Flyers could have found a late-round gem.