Kevin Connauton
Kevin Connauton | |||
---|---|---|---|
Connauton with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014 | |||
Born |
Edmonton, Alberta , Canada | February 23, 1990||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
Position | Defence | ||
Shoots | Left | ||
NHL team (P) Cur. team Former teams |
Los Angeles Kings Ontario Reign (AHL) Dallas Stars Columbus Blue Jackets Arizona Coyotes Colorado Avalanche Florida Panthers Philadelphia Flyers | ||
NHL draft |
83rd overall, 2009 Vancouver Canucks | ||
Playing career | 2010–present |
Kevin Connauton (born February 23, 1990) is a Canadian professional
Connauton played Junior A with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) before joining the Western Michigan Broncos of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) in 2008–09. He joined the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the 2009–10 season. Connauton set franchise records for most goals and points by a defenceman, while being named a WHL West First Team All-Star.
Early life
Connauton was born on February 23, 1990, in
Playing career
Amateur
Connauton began his
Going into the
Following his NHL draft, Canucks management encouraged Connauton to join the major junior ranks in hopes of bettering his progress.[12] He accordingly signed with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL on July 29, 2009.[12] Prior to joining the Giants, he attended his first NHL training camp with the Canucks, but was an early cut, being assigned to junior on September 16, 2009.[13] Connauton established himself as a high-scoring defenceman in the WHL. He broke Jonathon Blum's record for goals by a Giants defenceman on January 3, 2010, with his 19th goal of the season.[5] He was later named WHL Player of the Week with a four-goal, 10-point effort in five games from December 27, 2009, to January 3, 2010.[14] In the last month of the regular season, he then broke Brent Regner's mark for most points by a Giants defenceman of 67, set the previous season, with two points against the Kelowna Rockets on March 11.[15] Connauton finished his first WHL season atop the league's scoring list among defencemen (he finished with five more goals than Tyson Barrie, who tied him in point-scoring) and rookies with 72 points in 69 games.[16][17] He was named to the WHL West First All-Star Team, along with Giants teammate Craig Cunningham.[18] In the playoffs, the Giants advanced to the semifinals, but were eliminated in six games by the Tri-City Americans. Connauton recorded three goals and 13 points over 16 postseason games.
Professional
Vancouver Canucks (2010–2013)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Kevin_Connauton_%286795572687%29.jpg/220px-Kevin_Connauton_%286795572687%29.jpg)
On April 28, 2010, Connauton signed three-year, entry-level contract with the Canucks.
Dallas Stars (2013–2014)
On April 2, 2013, the Canucks traded Connauton and a second round selection in the
Connauton started the 2013–14 season with the Dallas Stars, and made his NHL debut October 24, 2013, against the Calgary Flames.[23]
Columbus Blue Jackets (2014–2016)
On November 18, 2014, Connauton was placed on waivers by the Stars with the intention of sending him to their AHL affiliate. However, before he could drive to Austin, Texas, Connauton was picked up off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets.[24] Upon joining the team, Connauton went pointless in three straight games before being named a healthy scratch.[25] Upon returning to the Blue Jackets lineup, he scored seven goals in his first 21 games and had accumulated 16 points by mid-March. As a result of his surprising defensive play, the team traded James Wisniewski to the Anaheim Ducks.[26] As he became a replacement for Wisniewski, Connauton finished the season tied for 12th among NHL defensemen in ice time, including six games when he exceeded 20 minutes.[27]
Arizona Coyotes (2016–2019)
On January 13, 2016, Connauton was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes.[28]
On June 27, 2018, Connauton signed a two-year contract with the Coyotes.
Colorado Avalanche (2019–2020)
On June 25, 2019, Connauton was traded by the Coyotes, along with a third-round 2020 draft pick, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Carl Söderberg.[30] Connauton was waived and re-assigned to begin the 2019–20 season with Avalanche AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Leading the blueline with the Eagles, Connauton posted 5 goals and 27 points through 38 games while making 4 regular season appearances in a recall to the Avalanche. With the COVID-19 pandemic ending the AHL season, Connauton was added to the Avalanche's return to play roster, and made 4 playoff appearances in registering 1 assist.
Florida Panthers (2020–2021)
As a free agent leading into the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, Connauton agreed to join the Florida Panthers training camp on a professional tryout basis on December 27, 2020. Remaining with the team upon completion of camp, Connauton was signed by the Panthers to a one-year, two-way contract on January 14, 2021, and was added to the club's taxi squad.[31] On June 1, Connauton was signed to a one-year, two-way contract extension by the Panthers.[32]
Philadelphia Flyers (2021–2023)
On December 7, 2021, the Philadelphia Flyers claimed Connauton on waivers from the Panthers.[33]
Los Angeles Kings (2023–present)
On June 6, 2023, Connauton was traded to the Los Angeles Kings as part of a three-team deal also involving the Blue Jackets.[34]
Personal life
Connauton's older brother Sean played college ice hockey as a defenseman for Brown University.[3]
Career statistics
Regular season
|
Playoffs | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
2005–06 | CAC Canadians AAA | AMHL
|
36 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 60 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2006–07 | CAC Canadians AAA | AMHL | 33 | 11 | 13 | 24 | 79 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2006–07 | Fort Saskatchewan Traders | AJHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2007–08 | Spruce Grove Saints | AJHL | 56 | 13 | 32 | 45 | 59 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2008–09 | Western Michigan Broncos | CCHA | 40 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 44 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2009–10 | Vancouver Giants | WHL | 69 | 24 | 48 | 72 | 107 | 16 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 21 | ||
2010–11 | Manitoba Moose | AHL | 73 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 51 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
2011–12 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 73 | 13 | 20 | 33 | 58 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | ||
2012–13 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 60 | 7 | 18 | 25 | 67 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2012–13 | Texas Stars | AHL | 9 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | ||
2013–14 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 36 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | ||
2013–14 | Texas Stars | AHL | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2014–15 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2014–15 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 54 | 9 | 10 | 19 | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2015–16 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 27 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2015–16 | Arizona Coyotes | NHL | 38 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2016–17 | Arizona Coyotes | NHL | 24 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2016–17 | Tucson Roadrunners | AHL | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2017–18 | Arizona Coyotes | NHL | 73 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 20 | — | — | — | — | |||
2018–19 | Arizona Coyotes | NHL | 50 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2019–20 | Colorado Eagles | AHL | 38 | 5 | 22 | 27 | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2019–20 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | ||
2020–21 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2021–22 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2021–22 | Philadelphia Flyers | NHL | 26 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2022–23 | Lehigh Valley Phantoms | AHL | 63 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 49 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
2023–24 | Ontario Reign | AHL | 61 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 77 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | ||
NHL totals | 360 | 28 | 52 | 80 | 188 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 22 |
Awards and honours
Award | Year | |
---|---|---|
AJHL | ||
North All-Rookie Team | 2008 | [1] |
College
| ||
CCHA All-Rookie Team honourable mention | 2009
|
[1] |
WHL | ||
West First All-Star Team | 2010
|
[18] |
CHL All-Rookie Team | 2010 | |
AHL | ||
All-Star Game
|
2012
|
Records
- Vancouver Giants
- Most goals in a single season by a defenceman – 24 in 2009–10 (surpassed Jonathon Blum, 18 in 2007–08)[5]
- Most points in a single season by a defenceman – 72 in 2009–10 (surpassed Brent Regner, 67 in 2008–09)[15]
References
- ^ a b c "Kevin Connauton – Men's Ice Hockey". Western Michigan Broncos. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
- ^ Annicchiarico, Mario (January 8, 2010). "Connauton fires bullets for Giants". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via PressReader.
- ^ a b Ewen, Steve (April 28, 2010). "Connauton: Old Oiler fan turned Canuck prospect". The Province. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Bodnar, Adam (April 18, 2008). "Hockey Signs Four During Spring Signing Period". Western Michigan University. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Connauton fires bullets for Giants". Edmonton Journal. January 8, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Mahiben, Dhiren (September 7, 2009). "Kevin Connauton becoming a Vancouver Giant". Vancouver Canucks. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ a b Mills, Tammy (October 23, 2008). "Early arrival Connauton making impact for Broncos hockey team". MLive.com. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ Jim Connelly (June 27, 2009). "Day 2 Turnaround: College Hockey Fares Well on Saturday at NHL Draft". USCHO News. Archived from the original on August 4, 2009. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
- ^ "NHL draft 2009: Collegians, recruits light up the board". ESPN. June 29, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ Pap, Elliott (November 16, 2009). "Q&A with Canucks prospect Kevin Connauton". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved January 21, 2010. [dead link]
- ^ MacIntyre, Iain (June 29, 2009). "Pair of picks from later rounds has Gillis & Company excited". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on July 5, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ a b "Defenceman Kevin Connauton joins Vancouver Giants from NCAA's Western Mighigan". Western Hockey League. July 29, 2009. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ "Vancouver Canucks reduce pre-season roster". Vancouver Canucks. September 16, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ "Giants' Connauton Named Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week". Western Hockey League. January 4, 2010. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
- ^ a b Lyndon Little (March 12, 2010). "Rockets burn Giants early but need a late blast to win". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved March 15, 2010. [dead link]
- ^ "Top Scorers - 2009-10 Regular Season - Defencemen". Western Hockey League. Archived from the original on March 11, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
- ^ "Top Scorers - 2009-10 Regular Season - Rookies". Western Hockey League. Archived from the original on March 10, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
- ^ a b "WHL Announces 2009-10 Conference All-Star Teams and Award Finalists". Western Hockey League. March 18, 2010. Archived from the original on March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
- ^ Vancouver Canucks (April 28, 2010). "Canucks sign defenceman Kevin Connauton". Canucks.com. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
- ^ "Game Summary". Manitoba Moose. October 8, 2010. Archived from the original on October 13, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "2012 All-Star rosters unveiled". American Hockey League. January 4, 2012. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ Dallas Stars Staff (April 2, 2013). "Dallas Stars Acquire Kevin Connauton and second-round pick in 2013 From Vancouver in Exchange for Derek Roy". DallasStars.com. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
- ^ The Canadian Press (October 25, 2013). "Chiasson, Benn each score 2 goals to carry Stars to 5-1 victory over Flames". NHL.com. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ^ Mixer, Rob (November 24, 2014). "Connauton excited for new opportunity". National Hockey League. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ "Game Day Hub: #VANvsCBJ". National Hockey League. November 28, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ Mitchell, Shawn (March 18, 2015). "Blue Jackets: Kevin Connauton becomes fixture on blue line". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ "Player Profile: Kevin Connauton". The Columbus Dispatch. July 28, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ "Coyotes Add Depth to Blue Line by Claiming Connauton". coyotes.nhl.com. January 13, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
- ^ "Coyotes sign Connauton to two-year contract". Arizona Coyotes. June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
- ^ "Avalanche acquire Connauton, Third-Round pick from Arizona". Colorado Avalanche. June 25, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
- ^ "Florida Panthers agree to terms with Kevin Connauton". Florida Panthers. January 14, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
- ^ "Florida Panthers Re-Sign Defenseman Kevin Connauton". NHL.com. June 1, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
- ^ "Flyers claim defenseman Kevin Connauton on waivers from Florida". National Hockey League. Philadelphia Flyers. December 7, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
- ^ "Provorov goes to Blue Jackets in 3-team trade with Flyers, Kings". nhl.com. June 6, 2023.
External links
- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database