Draft Prospect Profile: Kyle Connor

The wealth of talent entering this season's NHL Draft comes from a variety of leagues. Some are college prospects. Most are playing in one of Canada's top junior leagues. Many are playing in a foreign league.

The rundown of prospects doesn't usually reach American-born players too quickly, but there is one headlining the middle portion of the first round.

As our series on draft prospects continues, today we look at one of the top American-born players in the draft.

Here is a profile of Youngstown Phantoms forward Kyle Connor.

A player's numbers can do a lot of the talking. It's hard to argue with Connor's numbers.

The 18-year-old scored 34 goals and added 46 assists for 80 points in 56 games last season. In the two seasons prior, Connor averaged nearly a point per game, 115 points in 118 games.

So for three seasons, Connor has been an offensive juggernaut.

Connor sets up as a strong centerman, leading rushes and creating opportunities with crisp passes. He's also a slick passer, making some of his best plays under pressure, and can dismantle defenses with his vision.

He's a solid two-way player that does a good job remaining calm and making the smart plays without the puck.

That said, he needs to play with more physicality and add some strength to his game. Connor is 6'1" and 183 pounds.

Another thing that could make teams stray from selecting Connor is that he is committed to the University of Michigan for next season.

Even with the commitment, Connor is on the fast track to reaching the NHL. He's among the players closest to taking the leap and already has the scoring potential to play there. He just needs to bulk up and gain the strength to withstand NHL defensemen.

That will come soon enough, making Connor one of the top options for a mid-pack team looking to add a potential future stud to center ice.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.