Like we’ve done in the past, we’re profiling top prospects who may hear their names called Friday in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. But this year, something new — we’re featuring special guest analysis from former Minnesota Wild scout Mark Seidel, who currently serves as the president of North American Central Scouting.
Travis Konecny (C)
Height: 5'10 Weight: 175 Shoots: Right
Team: Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Country: Canada
NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 14 among North American Skaters
What kind of player is he?
A skill guy, but one with bite.
Konecny is a tenacious individual that likes to throw his body around, setting him apart from fellow prospects boasting similar size and skills. Those traits have often thrust him into leadership roles; he captained Canada at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and, this past season, wore the “C” for Ottawa in just his second year with the club.
Though his sophomore OHL campaign was a bit of a letdown statistically -- dropping to 68 points after scoring 70 as a rookie -- Konecny, who dealt with an undisclosed injury over the first part of the season, enjoyed a solid second half and saw his draft stock improve accordingly. At the combine, he further endeared himself to scouts by finishing in the top ten in pull-ups, bench press and standing long jump.
Seidel says:
“The former No. 1 pick in the Ontario Hockey League didn’t contribute as much offensively as some expected this year, but his game took great strides under 67’s head coach Jeff Brown. His calling cards have always been intensity and ferocity, which he combines with a high skill level that can bring fans out of their seats.
“The young Ottawa captain embraced the leadership mantle with his team this year, and propelled a tremendous showing at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game -- where he won MVP -- into a big finish to the season. It should translate into a top-15 selection for the fiery forward.”
NHL comparable: Andrew Shaw
For more 2015 NHL Draft profiles, click here.