pilldoc Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Flyers trade up with the Leaf #24 and select .... 1 24 24 PHI TRAVIS KONECNY C CAN 5' 9" 175 OHLOTTAWA 10-Travis Konecny: Offensive zone ability: B+Offensive transition ability: A-Puck movement and possession retention: B-Defensive transition ability: BDefensive zone ability: C+Defense: AthleticOffense: forceful Keywords, unique identity traits: Intensity, skill, shot, speed Room for improvement: Puck management, gear changes (mix fast with slowing down when it fits the play), thin frame, some small reads that make a difference in keeping possession of the puck Full analysis: Travis Konecny is a speedy, high-octane forward with a tremendous skill level and a lethal quick-release shot. Although there are some frame-concerns as he has a relatively slight build, he appears strong on his skates. Therefore while it is possible that he won't be able to dish out physical punishment with any regularity against bigger competition, I would not worry too much about his tenacity. In fact intensity and compete level are a staple of Konecny's game as he attacks loose pucks, hounds the puck-carrier, occasionally blows someone up and generally plays the game at a high tempo and at a high compete level, combine that with a very high skill level, ability to handle the puck, speed, and a very good shot and you quickly get a very alluring package. At this point in time though, it is precisely Konecny's high intensity that sometimes prevents him from exhibiting more control over the game. He appears to be permanently stuck in highest gear mode, which at times prevents him from asserting control over the pace of the game and limits him in elevating his teammates ability. Right now his game is primarily based on exploiting those half-spaces and breakdowns rather than orchestrating the ice as a conductor. As he matures, it should become a focus that he mixes his intensity with a more patient, poised approach and thus improves his puck-management and becomes easier and more natural to play with and in turn that should produce a more synergistic effect on his linemates. Though, even now he does not appear to be exactly lacking in vision or seeing plays at a high level, it is rather his M.O. that is tilted towards aggresiveness over the cerebral aspect that prevents him from exhibiting control and establishing that factor that makes everyone else on the ice exponentionally better. This in my mind is a key difference as vision is unlikely to be developed, but dialling someone's approach back slightly is a more realistic option. Neverheless, his reads and decision making while good aren't quite at an elite level. Defensively he competes very hard, whether it is back-checking, forechecking, committing to board battles or putting forth an effort to positionally defend in his own zone, he does it all, though his positional sense might be the least developed out of those. Offensively he isn't afraid to attack the dirty areas, in fact he doesn't hold back from doing so but plays the game closer to a bulldog than someone who is afraid of traffic or second-guessing his choices. Right now he does most of it through his effort level and skill as his game is still a bit too all over the place and lacking pro-structure and positioning. Despite his modest size, I am not concerned about Konecny's ability to protect the puck and keep possession of it as he is strong on his skates and shifty with a low centre of gravity which should allow him to utilize body positioning and leverage as an advantage. One thing that is particularly noticeable to me with Konecny are his "body mechanics" as his posture appears incredibly natural and at ease on ice while performing various technical aspects of the game. It does not ever really look like he is laboring or struggling with any technical element. Going forward, Konecny's potential is vast and with slightly more structure and patience to his game he could emerge as one of the key offensive threats from the draft. It is precisely his intensity combined with skill level that makes him so appealing, however where he ultimately ends up will likely be determined by how much polish he can add to his game where a little of his endless energy should be channelled into better puck management. If he is unable to add more variety and patience and his game remains tilted completely to the compete-level side of it, he could turn out to be a 3rd line buzzsaw with skill, with more progression in those areas though Konecny should top out as a top 6 forward (more leaning to the winger side of it at this point in time) with a tantalizing combination of skill and compete level as his calling card and ability to play both PP (courtesy of his skill) and PK (courtesy of his compete level). It should be noted that Konecny's high octane game isn't meant as a criticism, in fact it is his strength and likely to define his career. It was merely pointed out to illuminate room for improvement on the other end of the spectrum as in Konecny's case it's safe to say that slightly less might result in a lot more. Overall if Konecny had a thicker frame, a slightly better disposition for controlling the play with patience and gear changes, and a touch better reads (heck at that point we might as well be describing McDavid) we would probably be talking about a top 5 pick and maybe higher in a different draft year. However having a committed emotional leader with that combination of intensity and skill is still incredibly alluring by itself. Developmental focus: Ease back from his all-out all-the-time intensity, mix it with a more patient game that should result in better puck management and more synergy with his linemates. Projection: top 6 offensive threat with alluring combination of intensity and skill. Could be used on both PP and PK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Don't know awhole about this kid but i see he was ranked very high by everyone and fell to #24. Ranked #19 by Hockeyprospect.comRanked #12 by ISS HockeyRanked #11 by Future ConsiderationsRanked #14 by McKeen's HockeyRanked #14 by NHL Central Scouting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilldoc Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 Don't know awhole about this kid but i see he was ranked very high by everyone and fell to #24. Ranked #19 by Hockeyprospect.comRanked #12 by ISS HockeyRanked #11 by Future ConsiderationsRanked #14 by McKeen's HockeyRanked #14 by NHL Central Scouting the only thing I can think of is because of his size.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJgoal Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 He had some injuries this year, I believe. The way the Bruins drafted didn't hurt, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 the only thing I can think of is because of his size.... he just turned 18 in march so maybe he grows another inch or two. Hakstol maybe wanted this kid. Not saying i'm disappointed with this pick just concerned with the Flyers lack of size additions at forward the last 4 drafts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 He had some injuries this year, I believe. The way the Bruins drafted didn't hurt, either.Every team that picked after the middle of the first round owes the Bruins a big fat thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Every team that picked after the middle of the first round owes the Bruins a big fat thank you. It was n't that all their picks were bad it's just when they took them was just the biggest question i'd say... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 It was n't that all their picks were bad it's just when they took them was just the biggest question i'd say...That's my point- by taking a couple of those guys when they did they allowed more highly rated prospects to fall to teams picking after them. Barzal, Connor, Konecny... those guys might not have been available if the Bruins hadn't gone off the way they did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyClarkeFan16 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Love it!!!!! Love it!!!!! Love it!!!!!! I never thought Konecny would ever drop this far. This was a great move. A right winner who can play center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyer4ever Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Hopefully he stays healthy for a long time. Can flat out skate and competes every shift. Looks like a great pick. Time will tell. Size is no longer the biggest issue. These kids are fearless. Just hope for good health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 That's my point- by taking a couple of those guys when they did they allowed more highly rated prospects to fall to teams picking after them. Barzal, Connor, Konecny... those guys might not have been available if the Bruins hadn't gone off the way they did.Yeah when i saw Barzal and Connor fall past the 11th and 12th i thought Bruins were going to wrap up...then i was like WTF???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 That's my point- by taking a couple of those guys when they did they allowed more highly rated prospects to fall to teams picking after them. Barzal, Connor, Konecny... those guys might not have been available if the Bruins hadn't gone off the way they did.I wonder if Konecny was the guys the Laffs were targeting?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 I wonder if Konecny was the guys the Laffs were targeting?? If they were targeting him why would they trade the pick? They could have just grabbed him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJgoal Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Yeah. He was projected in a lot of places to go 13-18, so he was already good value. You don't trade back at that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OccamsRazor Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 If they were targeting him why would they trade the pick? They could have just grabbed him.Thinking he would be there later sometimes GMs out smart themselves...maybe the Leafs did in in this instance...it happens in the NFL as well guy think their guy will keep sliding and they can trade back and pick up extra picks while getting their guy say a couple picks later.But there are many times it blows up in their face...maybe this was one...i'm sure the Leaf GM wouldn't admit it if this was the case...i just seen where many Leafs fans were pissed and they wanted him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podein25 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 ...sometimes GMs out smart themselves...Not just GMs. Why just today I outsmarted myself by thinking it was a good day to go to the office. 29 Celsius and sunny and Draft day. I'm an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJgoal Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Not normally if a player falls to them, though. What I think is more likely is that they had 3-4 players they liked there that they had ranked pretty even. So they dropped back, figuring at least one still would be. Might have happened again at 29, or every single one could have gotten picked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 That's my point- by taking a couple of those guys when they did they allowed more highly rated prospects to fall to teams picking after them. Barzal, Connor, Konecny... those guys might not have been available if the Bruins hadn't gone off the way they did. Great point Jack....the Bruins threw the whole thing out of whack by jumping off the board so dramatically, Konecky should have been long gone by 22ish, but the Burins upset the balance of power.....thank the Good Lord for them.....LOL! Flyers got a real legit scoring machine here. Can't wait to see his famous work ethic. I'm gonna to stream 3 o 4 Ottawa 67's games tomorrow, get a better idea of what Travis is all about. So, that makes possibly two star Travis's in the near future, a good problem to have. From the sounds of things, and from what I have read, Konecky's skill set and intangibles are *exactly* what Hakstol is looking for in a player. You can tell Hak had some input here and everyone worked as a team to secure Koenecky's services. Very excited to see what this kid can do....pure speed.....LOVE IT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilldoc Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 You can tell Hak had some input here and everyone worked as a team to secure Koenecky's services. Very excited to see what this kid can do....pure speed.....LOVE IT!!! That's exactly what I said in game chat last night. Finally a coach with a vision and direction for this team. No more throwing a dart at the draft board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J0e Th0rnton Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Great point Jack....the Bruins threw the whole thing out of whack by jumping off the board so dramatically, Konecky should have been long gone by 22ish, but the Burins upset the balance of power.....thank the Good Lord for them.....LOL! Flyers got a real legit scoring machine here. Can't wait to see his famous work ethic. I'm gonna to stream 3 o 4 Ottawa 67's games tomorrow, get a better idea of what Travis is all about. So, that makes possibly two star Travis's in the near future, a good problem to have. From the sounds of things, and from what I have read, Konecky's skill set and intangibles are *exactly* what Hakstol is looking for in a player. You can tell Hak had some input here and everyone worked as a team to secure Koenecky's services. Very excited to see what this kid can do....pure speed.....LOVE IT!!!Yeah, you guys cleaned up this draft. A victory in every way for the first round Flyers picks. Not only did you draft two great players, but no silly panic moves. I was worried the Sharks would jump on the panic bandwagon that the kings and Bruins started. Getting Lucic buggered any chance the kings had at resigning Sekera, which is great! The paid a 2016 1st and prospect for 16 games of Sekera. Then they paid this year's first, a backup with starter potential and another prospect for a power forward who has visibly been breaking down when they could have tried resigning WIlliams. Dean Lombardi is going full dumbarse. And yet, somehow the Bruins did worse. They reset the Bruins back to the Sinden era of frustration. Can Neely was my favorite player growing up, but these moves have his say written all over it and they are DUMB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sekkes85 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 The Bruins are eating $2.75 million of Lucics contract. Know they are tight against the cap but the money might be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilldoc Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=772560&navid=nhl:topheads Flyers pick Konecny wins inaugural McGuire Award SUNRISE, Fla. -- Ottawa 67's center Travis Konecny, a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, was named Saturday as the first recipient of the "E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence."The "E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence" is an annual award presented to the draft-eligible prospect who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.It was created in honor of E.J. McGuire, who served as NHL director of Central Scouting for seven years before dying of cancer in April 2011. A head coach at the collegiate, junior and American Hockey League levels, an assistant coach for three NHL teams over 12 seasons, and a scout for two teams, McGuire began serving as director of Central Scouting in 2005. The award was announced on the second day of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center after roll call by Jim Gregory, who served as director of Central Scouting for many years before becoming Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. "We are excited to announce this year's very qualified recipient and to know that going forward each year an elite draft prospect will be recognized as the pinnacle of his draft class in Edward John (E.J.) McGuire's honor," Central Scouting's David Gregory said. Konecny, who served as captain for the 67's in 2014-15, said getting motivated to excel was as simple waking up in the morning. "My parents pushed me that way so every time I get up I ask myself 'What are you going to do?," said Konecny, who was selected at No. 24. "Will I put in hard work that day or slack off. You always got to think there's someone pushing harder than you and that's the way I look at it. I'm going to push hard every day and give myself every opportunity to be my best and make the NHL."In two seasons with the 67's, Konecny (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) had 55 goals and 138 points in 123 regular-season Ontario Hockey League games. "He's one of those high-character players, who brings skill, competitiveness, and he can play virtually in any situation and deliver, so he's a player the coach can trust because he leads by example," said Dan Marr, NHL director of Central Scouting . "His teammates trust him. He has high character and no maintenance and he's got the skills that he can contribute." Flyers general manager Ron Hextall coveted Konecny. He moved up five spots to No. 24 in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs in order to secure Konecny."He's got the heart of a lion, and that's huge for us," Hextall said. "I didn't think we had a chance to get him, and we got a call and acted on it quick." The Flyers traded their No. 29 and No. 61 picks to Toronto to acquire the No. 24 selection.Konecny, selected No. 1 in the 2013 OHL draft by Ottawa, got off to a slow start in 2014-15 with three goals and 12 points in the first 18 games. In NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of the top North American skaters eligible for the draft, he was No. 26. "That was definitely a learning experience for me; when you're going into your draft year and have all those expectations for yourself and then you see yourself drop a little bit, I think it's a humbling thing," Konecny said. "It helped me a lot and made me realize you need to work hard and stay focused, enjoy hockey. Once I got back to having fun and doing the little things, my stock started to go back up again." He finished the regular season second on the team with 68 points (29 goals, 39 assists) in 60 games. He had 26 goals and 56 points in his final 42 games and was No. 14 on Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters. He was voted 'Best Skater' and finished second in the voting for 'Best Stickhandler' in the OHL Eastern Conference coaches' poll.He had three goals and 10 points in five OHL playoff games. "It's humbling," Konecny said of being drafted by the Flyers. "It's an amazing opportunity and the fan base there is unbelievable. I had a chance to see it last year at the [2014 NHL Draft]. It's the Philadelphia Flyers, they're a great team and I'm just really looking forward to being a part of it all." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Voted fastest skater in Eastern Conference of OHL, voted 2nd best stickhandler. Rookie of the year 2014 last season (previous winners..2013 .McDavid 1st overall NHL draft, 2012Ekblad, 1st overall NHLdraft 2011 yakupov 1st overall NHL draft) Highlights...from ONE playoff round this year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojo1917 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Kid has really quick...nice hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 @mojo1917 Captained TC at U18s last year too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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