With all eyes on Patrik Laine, it's easy for people to overlook the first-year winger and 2015 seventh overall pick, Kyle Connor, who had a lot of buzz himself entering this year's training camp.Here is a good article from Peter Tessier over at HockeyBuzz about the expectations (including myself) on Connor.
After being a finalist for the NCAA's Hobey Baker award (akin to the NCAA football Heisman trophy that eventually went to the New York Rangers Jimmy Vesey) Connor decided to forgo furthering his collegiate hockey career and turned pro, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Jets after he was selected 17th overall.
At that time, I naively thought Connor was going to be a break-out star in the vein of at least a Nathan McKinnon type. Although, most say his development is in line with the Red Wings' Dylan Larkin. He may very well still do that, and to his credit Connor is still with the big club after his nine game tryout. Not even Mark Scheifele, who was sent back to the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League after seven games, had the level of trust the Jets coaching staff apparently have in Connor. Based on Scheifele's level of play the last two seasons, one would have to ponder that was unthinkable.
However, Connor hasn't contributed to the level at least I thought he would by now. I know, that is putting a lot of pressure on a 19-year-old. Patrik Laine notwithstanding. But I did think he'd be at close to double digits in goals. At least I believe I was led in that direction after his season last
But the Jets' draft and develop style has paid off for more than one member of the Winnipeg Jets. Other than Connor and Scheifele, there's the positive and on-going development of Josh Morrisey, Brandon Tanev, Adam Lowry, Joel Armia, Nikolai Ehlers, Jack Roslovic and Marko Dano. All developed (or developing) in the Jets system and all, eventually, will be bonafide NHL stars.
Much like how nature creates diamonds, it's all about time and patience. And based on how fans, again, including myself, have certain expectations for players like Connor , Laine and Morrisey, there's going to be pressure too, lots of it.
