The Flyers concluded yesterday’s NHL Draft by picking up Connor McClennon in the sixth-round. While a late-round selection, there is every reason to be more than simply intrigued about McClennon’s skillset. Here is everything you need to know.
At 5’8, 157 lbs McLennon plays on the right-wing and spent last year with the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL. He played in 42 games for the Ice in 2019, recording 49 total points ( 21G 28A).
“Being able to wear “A” in Winnipeg is a huge honor.” He told reporters aftr being drafted. “Having James Patrick as my coach and having a good relationship, him trusting me to lead our group, is a huge honor.”
During that spell, he was given the ‘A’ before what could’ve been a truly dominant season was ultimately cut short on two occasions. A broken collarbone sidelined the sharpshooter, who was leading the team in scoring prior to the injury before his road to recovery was blocked off by the pandemic.
“It was really tough, especially mentally. I think coming back and training as hard as I did to get it healed up and come back for playoffs.” He said. “Having that cut short due to COVID-19 was definitely tough on the mental side of things. To be rewarded and picked by the Philadelphia Flyers is definitely a huge relief. Just to know I can be there and push for the next step.”
Connor McClennon also shined on the international stage on more than one occasion. He won a silver medal for Team Canada in the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky cup after posting a goal and an assist in 5 games. The 18-year-old was a key cog in the Canada White team during the 2018 U17 World Hockey Challenge. recording eight goals and three assists in five games. Looking back on the tournament,
“The Under-17s was a great tournament for myself.” McClennon said when looking back. Obviously our team fell a bit short. Had a good game in the quarters versus the Finns, but for myself, I think I had a good showing. I was put in good situations by my coaching staff.”
What’s interesting about this selection is that the Flyers had an ace up their sleeve, as Vice President & Asst. General Manager Brent Flahr explained:
“One of the top picks in the Western League. Has been a prolific scorer in his age group. His competitiveness is very strong, very good motor. Very good shot and loves to shoot. Players his size need that. He has to get stronger, obviously, and he is working on that. We had a bit of an inside edge on him. He is good friends with Ridly Greig.”
Ridly Greig, the 28th-overall-pick this year, is the son of former Flyers winger and current scout Mark Greig and played against McClennon in the WHL as a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Photo by Devin Manky/Icon Sportswire
