The Vegas Golden Knights selected Trevor Connelly with the 19th overall pick in the Upper Deck 2024 NHL Draft.
The Vegas Golden Knights selected Trevor Connelly with the 19th overall pick in the Upper Deck 2024 NHL Draft. One of the most talented forwards in the entire draft fell into the laps of the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Champions.
The 18-year-old was an offensive force with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL where he finished second in the league in points (78) and seventh in goals (31) in just 52 games. The smooth-skating winger will be joining Providence College to begin his NCAA career during the 2024-25 season.
Connelly fell in the draft due to some previous off-ice issues that not only he believes he has moved on from, but the team has as well. General manager Kelly McCrimmon would not have made the selection if he didn't believe Connelly was a changed person who is striving to continue to be better.
The Golden Knights aren't known for hanging out to their first-round selection. Brendan Brisson is the only first-round selection the Golden Knights have not traded away. Cody Glass, Nick Suzuki, Erik Brannstrom, Peyton Krebs, Zachary Dean, and David Edstrom have all eventually been traded. Connelly projects to be more skilled than each of the players the Golden Knights traded which may be the reason why the Golden Knights stay patient and let Connelly develop with the team.
The 18-year-old's skill is no joke and he looks to already be the team's most talented prospect. At the 2024 development camp, Connelly looked a step ahead of everyone else until he picked up an injury. His skating stood out but his ability to make plays at high speeds was what separated him from the rest. He was able to show off his silky hands to make moves on defenders, make passes into high-danger areas and showcase his shot when he had the opportunity. His shot is one area of his game he plans on improving this offseason.
He also hopes to use his college career to add muscle. As of now, he's listed at 6'1 and just 161 lbs. Adding weight will help him be one step closer to the NHL.
The Tustin, California native was invited to Team USA's 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase and is one of the top candidates to make the team. Previously he's represented Team USA at the U-18s, Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and the WJAC-19s.
For the Golden Knights, managing his development will be key. His skills and overall game are very close to being NHL-ready but letting him put on weight and allowing him to become a smarter hockey player will be the determining factor to his success in the future. The Golden Knights should be in no rush to get Connelly into the NHL as time is on his and their side.
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