Trevor Connelly: “Felt Like My Skillset And Hockey IQ Is Ready To Take The Next Step”

On April 1st, a few days after his collegiate season ended at Providence College, Trevor Connelly signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Golden Knights. The former 1st Round (19th overall) selection scored 13 points in 23 games during an injury-riddled freshman year in college.

This type of move would not typically make headlines, as first-round picks usually do not take long to sign contracts with the NHL team that selected them. However, in Vegas’ case, the timing came as a bit of a surprise due to their history with NCAA players.

Connelly was the 14th player selected in the draft by the Golden Knights to play the following season in American college. This includes former 1st round pick Brendan Brisson and future NHLer Paul Cotter. Connelly is the first to be offered a contract following his first season.

Statistically, he did not post numbers that would have warranted becoming the outlier. He scored just four goals and 13 points in 23 games. He was also a -13 and took 29 penalty minutes. He was, however, impressive with Team USA at the World Juniors where he scored a goal and posted four points in seven games against the best prospects in the world.

I felt strongly about myself. After World Juniors this year I had an idea that I wanted to sign. I just kind of felt like my skillset and hockey IQ is ready to take the next step. Now it’s about building my frame and filling out and the rest will come along. -Connelly

Connelly played six games with the Silver Knights at the end of the AHL season scoring a goal and three assists. Henderson became the seventh different team he’s played for in the last six years, not including international duty.

To confuse matters a bit more, Connelly was selected in the WHL Expansion Draft by the newest team, the Penticton Vees. As a 1st round pick, it would be surprising to see him leave college, sign a contract, and then play in the CHL. But, the path is now available to him, and the Golden Knights, which raises even more intrigue about his future.

As for Connelly, he has his head down and is saying the right things as he progresses through the early stages of his professional career.

I had an idea that I wanted to be here at the end of the year, but you never know. You have to get offered a contract as well so I did everything I could this year to get here at the end of the year. -Connelly

As the only 1st round pick still under VGK control, Connelly’s future is one to keep a close eye on. He’s talented enough to be projected as a true impact player at the NHL level, but he has to get there first, and so far, it’s been a unique road.