The 2025 NHL Draft Combine is always a hub of excitement and possibility, a gathering of the sport’s brightest young stars vying to make their mark on hockey’s grandest stage. As the media tries to get to know these fresh faces, one question that is commonly asked is, "Who in the NHL do you compare your game to?" Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers] fans will be ecstatic to hear that their beloved star winger Travis Konecny [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/players/travis-konecny-speaks-on-season-of-growth-grit-what-comes-next-for-flyers] was among the answers. Multiple top prospects singled out Konecny as a player who has deeply influenced their games. Victor Eklund, a dynamic Swedish winger projected to go in the top 10, didn’t hesitate when asked who he models his style after. “[He] plays with a lot of energy, [and] tries to get under the skin of the opponent," Eklund told reporters in Buffalo. Similarly, Justin Carbonneau—a highly touted Canadian forward whose two-way prowess has turned heads—also said that Konecny’s game is a blueprint for him. That these young prospects would name-check Konecny speaks volumes—not just about the Flyers star’s on-ice abilities, but about the intangible qualities that have made him a quiet force in the NHL. A Game Built on Heart When Konecny broke into the league in 2016-17, he was known primarily for his speed and offensive creativity. But as the years have gone by, his game has matured into something far more complete. He’s become a relentless puck-hound, a tenacious forechecker, and a player who doesn’t shy away from physicality despite standing just 5’10” and weighing 175 pounds. His willingness to battle in the dirty areas, his knack for agitating opponents, and his ability to produce clutch goals have earned him the respect of teammates and the disdain of opponents. It’s that blend of skill and grit that resonates so deeply with this new generation of prospects. In an era where hockey increasingly demands versatility and compete level—where pure skill alone often isn’t enough—Konecny represents the kind of player who can thrive in any situation. He’s become the type of player that coaches love and teammates rally around. Evolving Into a Leader Konecny’s evolution [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/how-travis-konecny-is-moving-from-flyers-favorite-to-league-recognition] has also seen him grow as a leader in the Flyers’ dressing room. Once a feisty young sparkplug who could get under the skin of even the most seasoned veterans, he’s now one of the most respected voices in the room. His leadership by example—hustling every shift, never taking a night off—has become a calling card. This season, Konecny not only led the Flyers in points but also emerged as a reliable presence in all situations. It’s that well-roundedness that makes him such an attractive model for prospects like Eklund and Carbonneau. In a game that demands players adapt and excel in all three zones, Konecny’s example is both practical and inspiring. The Konecny Effect What makes Konecny’s influence particularly fascinating is how his game has evolved while staying true to its roots. Even as he’s refined his defensive awareness and become more consistent, he’s never lost that feisty edge—the chirps, the scrums, the offensive creativity that ignites a building. For prospects, it’s proof that you can refine your game without sacrificing your identity. That’s a powerful lesson for teenagers on the brink of their NHL dreams. More Than Just a Name In a league increasingly obsessed with size, statistics, and superstar talent, Travis Konecny’s rise to prominence is a reminder that there’s still room for players who simply refuse to be outworked. His presence at the 2025 NHL Draft Combine—without even being there in person—underscores his status as more than just a Flyer. As Eklund and Carbonneau (and undoubtedly others) prepare to take their own first steps into the league, they do so with the man affectionately known as TK (or Teeks...or Tiki Bar...) as a guide of sorts—a relentless motor, an infectious energy, and a willingness to battle for every inch of ice. In that way, Konecny’s impact on the game is already extending far beyond the stat sheet, shaping the next generation of stars one shift at a time.
