Kevin Connauton
| Birthday: 1990-02-23 | Position: D |
| Eligible for draft: 2009 | Shoots: Left |
| Drafted: 2009 | Height: 6-1 |
| Acquired: 3rd round (83rd overall), 2009 | Weight: 185 lbs. |
Probability of Success
- C
History
2007-08: Kevin Connauton impressed many in AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League) when he tallied 45 points in 56 games in 2007-08.
2008-09: Connauton was a freshman at Western Michigan University, scoring seven goals and 11 assists in 40 games.
2009-10: Connauton made the jump to the WHL. He’s at the top of the league in rookie scoring and tied for first in point production for defensemen in the dub. He was voted as having the hardest shot in the Western Conference by 45 players, management and broadcasters from the 10 clubs in the Western Conference of the WHL. Connauton is poised to break Brent Regner’s (CBJ) single-season point total of 67 points for a Giants defenseman, and should be able to do it in fewer games.
2010-11: Connauton skated in 73 of 80 games for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose in his first pro season and was a key part of the Moose’ power play while gradually showing improvement with the defensive aspects of his game. He scored 11 goals with 12 assists, including 3 power play goals, and was -11 with 51 PMs. Connauton was hampered by a lower body injury in the playoffs and appeared in just 6 of 14 games; finishing -2 with 1 goal, a short-handed score.
2011-12: Connauton skated for the Chicago Wolves, Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, in his second pro season. Playing on a defense pairing with NHL and AHL veteran Nolan Baumgartner for much of the season, he was the leading scorer amongst Wolves defensemen. Connauton scored 13 goals with 20 assists in 73 games and was minus-three with 58 penalty minutes. The Wolves finished first in the Midwest Division and lost to San Antonio in overtime of the decisive fifth game in their first round series with the Rampage. Connauton had an even plus/minus with 1 assist and 8 penalty minutes in the series.
2012-13: Connauton spent most of his third pro season with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, before being obtained by Dallas in April in the deal that sent Derek Roy to Vancouver. Connauton finished the season with Dallas AHL affiliate Texas and was the team’s leading scorer in the AHL playoffs. In 69 regular season games with the two teams he scored 9 goals with 22 assists and was -10 with 73 penalty minutes. The Texas Stars finished first in the South Division and reached the second round. Connaughton scored two goals, both on the power play, and had 3 assists; finishing -7 with 6 penalty minutes in nine playoff games. Connaughton was re-signed by Dallas to a three-year contract in June, 2013.
Talent Analysis
Connauton's bread and butter is on the power play. Connauton uses his hard shot with great effectiveness. Of some concern is the fact that this total accounts for almost 70 percent of his overall production.
He is not an overly physical player but can still play the body when needed. His best assets are his ability to make plays from the blue line and his patience and poise while in possession of the puck. Connauton has a smooth stride and good foot speed.
Future
Connauton was dealt to the Dallas Stars by the Vancouver Canucks in April of 2013 in the deal that sent Derek Roy toi the Canucks.
