Neutral Zone NHL’s Donald Godreau, June 2020: His small frame is probably going to drop him in the draft, but make no mistake, McClennon has top end offensive talent and instincts. His skating is fantastic. While his acceleration and first step can look a bit average, his stride is powerful, he has a natural low stride and plays with good balance and a low center of gravity. Despite his size, he plays well in the corners and is hard to deter when he’s on the puck. He is hard on his edges and can be a tough mark to contain with his quick feet and quick changes of direction. In open ice, he can look silky smooth, and his stride can look effortless. With the puck he shows good vision and soft hands. He sends nice passes, and uses his body well to change passing angles and find new lanes that a lot of players won’t see. With out the puck in the offensive zone, he has an excellent ability to find those soft spots in the defensive coverage. He is a nice one time option. While his shot is very accurate, it does lack that eye popping power we’d like to see, but he places his shots so well. His wrister shot is heavy, and much like his skating, the release looks effortless. In the defensive zone, he relies on his feet to be a difference maker. He likes to challenge puck carriers and take away their time and space. He plays on the penalty kill, and doesn’t like to give opponents on the blue line a second to breathe. McClennon plays with speed and instincts, and while he’ll struggle physically, it doesn’t deter him from getting into the physical areas. Continuing to build on his lower body strength, and learning to drive the play more on his own will be something to watch in his future development. Grade: B
2020 NHL Draft Right Wing Rankings, May 2020: Connor was Neutral Zone’s 14th highest rated right wing in our May right wing rankings.
February NHL Draft Rankings, February 2020: Connor was ranked #61 with a ‘B+’ Neutral Zone NHL Draft grade in our February rankings.
3 Winnipeg Ice 2020 NHL Draft Prospects Upgraded, One 2020 Prospect Added & Two 2021s too know, January 2020: As you can see in the chart, we feel Connor’s Feet are extraordinary. He can stop on a dime, accelerate to top speed in one stride and his turning radius is as tight as any player in the 2020 Draft. We’ve also noticed that he has a lightening quick release on both his shot and when finding an open man. He is being used on the penalty kill and appears to stronger on the puck as well.
WHL – Ranking the 2020 NHL Draft Prospects, October 2019: Connor was ranked #17 in the Western Hockey League with a ‘C+’ Neutral Zone NHL Draft grade.
CSSHL Midget Playoffs, April 2018: McClennon was the most naturally gifted player here this week. An early pick in the 1st round of the WHL Draft to the Kootenay Ice has already played some games in the WHL. McClennon showed all his tools this week being one of the top players. He is a quick, fluid skater that has the ability to expose D wide but also has the quickness to bounce inside. He is fearless and will go to the dirty areas to get chances or come out with the puck. He sees the ice extremely well and is a two-option threat with his quick release and intelligent puck movement. He is player to keep tabs on in his WHL career. Grade: A+
WHL Cup (2002s), October 2017: His first few strides are impeccable. He escapes pressure and defenders at lightning fast speeds. Combine that with smooth hands and he is a real threat in the offensive end. His shot gets off the ice and in the corners fast. In addition to have a bit of flash to his game, he tends to be more comfortable playing a blue-collar game, going to the net, looking for rebounds. On defense, he will engage physically, but his anticipation and quick feet allow him to break up passes and get to loose pucks easily. Grade: A-