What's Trevor Connelly's ceiling?

The 2024 NHL Draft class could be surprisingly more talented than one would think. Yes, it doesn't have a Connor Bedard or Sidney Crosby that can turn a franchise around. However, some pieces can help a team--if developed right. One of those picks that could make such an impact is Trevor Connelly.

The former Tri-City Storm star has had an illustrious amateur career, scoring 55 goals and 70 assists in two seasons (109 games). He's also been a resounding threat during his 14U days, putting up incredible numbers. In 2019-20 in the 14U AA league, he scored 87 goals and 50 assists in 67 games with the San Diego Saints. A season later, he scored 20 goals and 24 assists in 20 games with the Anaheim Jr. Ice Dogs in the 14U AAA league.

While there have been concerns about his controversial past, there's a good reason why Kelly McCrimmon and company picked Connelly with the 19th overall pick. An offensive talent who can put up awe-inspiring numbers doesn't fall into the later rounds easily. Therefore, he must have a solid ceiling where he can be a regular All-Star, right? Let's see if that's the case with Connelly.

What Trevor Connelly brings to the Vegas Golden Knights

Trevor Connelly has everything a general manager looks for in a prospect. He's incredibly talented, has a fantastic hockey IQ, and knows how to set up his teammates. That much has been documented throughout these musings. However, there's more to the forward's game than being skilled.

For one, he has a penchant for being an aggressive playmaker. Of course, he's not going to punch a player on the ice because he has anger issues. Instead, he's the proverbial shark in the water. Whenever he smells blood, he's not afraid to pounce. Whether it's another team that haphazardly gives up the puck or an errant pass lands in front of him, Connelly doesn't hesitate to make the opposing team pay.

He mixes it up with unbelievable dekes and puck-handling skills, making him a threat to score. Developing his skills with the Henderson Silver Knights will turn him into a more potent goal scorer. After all, this might be what fellow AHL players and NHL stars will see.

That's part of why he was a sought-after talent in the NHL Draft. Front office personnel like Kelly McCrimmon appreciate a player who's not afraid to take matters into his own hands. That's especially true when there's space, where he's at his best. The first-round pick isn't afraid to take on opponents with tight gaps, reading the play as it unfolds.

What is Connelly's ceiling?

In 2017, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Joe Mixon with the 48th overall pick (second round) in the NFL Draft. The Bengals were heavily criticized for the pick because of Mixon's past. The former Oklahoma Sooners running back committed a terrible act by punching Amelia Molitor in Norman, Oklahoma.

He played in a Pro Bowl (2021) and a Super Bowl, where he was a key part of the Bengals offense. Now, he's off to Houston to play for the Texans, getting a three-year contract extension with the team after being traded. Granted, there were other legal issues the running back faced during his career, including a menacing charge. However, he turned into a productive offensive player who recently got paid.

Trevor Connelly has the potential to do the same for the Vegas Golden Knights. In fact, he can become a better story than Mixon considering he's an awe-inspiring hockey talent. Fans hope Connelly is above violence, which would hurt the Golden Knights organization and his reputation. So where does his ceiling lie?

Talent-wise, he can become a regular All-Star and a major factor in the Golden Knights offense. That includes being a playmaker on the first line and dictating the offense. If he stays out of trouble and doesn't become a lightning rod figure, that's where he's headed. If not, he'll be remembered as one of the riskiest picks in NHL history. Of course, this risk wouldn't have any reward if that happened.