Conor Davis (RW, R, 6’0″, 183, Salisbury School, 11/09/2006, Northeastern)
Conor Davis is a well-rounded, athletic winger who blends straight-line speed, strength, and a direct mindset into a power-forward style. He was one of the most productive players in New England prep hockey this season and consistently played in all situations for Salisbury. His game features north-south speed, an explosive first step, and enough puck skill to create plays under pressure. Though raw in areas such as shooting accuracy, defensive positioning, and decision-making, his physical traits and offensive instincts make him a strong candidate for further development at the junior and college levels.
Statistical Profile (2024–25)
Salisbury Prep: 31 GP | 21 G | 23 A | 44 PTS
Cedar Rapids (USHL): 1 GP | 0 PTS
U18 Nationals (4 GP): 2 A
Single-Game Averages – Salisbury/US U18
TOI: 17:39 | PPT: 3:22 | SHT: 0:46
Shots: 8.0 | SOG: 4.8 | SBL: 1.33 | S-: 1.48
SC: 3.0 | SC%: 8%
Puck Battles: 12.0 | Win %: 50%
Pass Completion: 75%
Takeaways/Giveaways: 3.0 / 6.0
Blocked Shots: 0.15
Reasons to Draft
Speed and Power Combo
Davis has pro-caliber skating ability, highlighted by an explosive first three strides and the ability to drive wide past defenders. He’s dangerous when attacking off the rush and routinely generates separation off the wall. When he times his routes correctly and uses his frame to protect the puck, he’s difficult to contain in open ice.
Offensive Motor and Scoring Instincts
Davis led Salisbury in goals and consistently created high-danger chances, averaging 3.0 Grade A opportunities per game. He’s not a perimeter scorer—he generates inside ice offense by using his body to create lanes and has a shooter’s mentality. Despite a low 8% SC conversion rate, the volume of quality chances speaks to his offensive mindset and ability to generate.
Versatile Usage and Transition Play
Used in all situations, Davis handled both special teams minutes and was trusted in key moments. His ability to transition pucks with speed and make quick plays off the rush was a consistent strength. He frequently started opportunities with well-timed give-and-go sequences and supports low in the zone during defensive regroups.
NHL Frame and Work Ethic
At 6’0″, 185 pounds, Davis has a strong foundation with room to continue developing physically. He embraces contact, competes hard below the dots, and has shown resilience taking hits and continuing to push plays forward. Coaches value his willingness to play through traffic and make hard plays in contested areas.
Reasons Not to Draft
Low Conversion Efficiency and Shot Selection
While Davis attempts a high volume of shots, 1.33 per game are blocked and another 1.48 miss the net—nearly 35% of total shot attempts. His shot selection can be rushed, particularly in transition, where he settles for low-percentage attempts. His 8% SC% reflects poor finishing for the number of chances generated.
Decision-Making and Puck Management
Davis averaged double the number of giveaways as takeaways, pointing to a need for poise under pressure. He often holds onto pucks too long or attempts low-probability plays, especially when trying to force offense into the royal road. Reducing turnovers and improving his ability to identify high-percentage options will be key to his transition to higher levels.
Predictability and Pacing
Though explosive, Davis can be too one-dimensional on zone entries, often playing at one speed and relying heavily on straight-line attacks. Against stronger defenders, this becomes easier to contain. He needs to add deception, change of pace, and controlled stops-and-starts to round out his offensive game.
Defensive Read Development
While his effort level is commendable, Davis remains raw in the defensive zone. His reads off the puck, stick positioning, and spacing while supporting down low are still developing. At times, he over-commits or drifts high, opening seams behind him. This will need to be addressed for him to earn coaches’ trust at the USHL and / or NCAA levels.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six energy winger with transitional offense and PK upside
Development Path: Two full USHL season, two plus NCAA seasons and multiple years in the AHL developing a high percentage low risk game
Draft Range: Late Round 7 / Priority Free Agent Watch
Verdict:
Davis is a physically capable, power winger who plays with pace and assertiveness. He needs time and reps at the USHL and college levels to develop better puck discipline and increase his scoring efficiency, but the foundational traits—skating, compete level, and physicality—are in place. He is worth a late-round selection based on his upward trajectory, athletic ceiling, and projection as a bottom-six contributor who can drive momentum and add energy to a lineup.
Logo courtesy of Salisbury School