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After being a fourth round pick in the 2014 OHL Draft, and putting up just 13 points 60 games as an OHL rookie last year; Conor Timmins was not on many scouts’ radar as a potential first round pick coming into the season. However, he has really broken out with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and become one of the top offensive defencemen in the Ontario Hockey League. Timmins put up seven goals and 54 assists for 61 points in 67 games this year. Playing top minutes on a strong team, and producing has made Timmins a hot commodity. He added a goal and seven assists for eight points in 11 playoff games for the Greyhounds. He has been particularly effective at even-strength.
Conor Timmins Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #25
Defense — shoots Right
Born September 18, 1998 — Thorold, Ontario
Height 6’1″ — Weight 182 lbs [185 cm / 83 kg]
Skating
Timmins is a very good skater. He has a strong first step, and accelerates smoothly and quickly. His top end speed is good in both directions, and solid edge work and pivots allow him to cover a lot of ice. Timmins has good lateral agility, allowing him to walk the line, and open up passing lanes and shooting lanes in the offensive zone. He is also strong on his skates, helping him to battle for position in the corners and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Timmins has the stick handling ability to beat forecheckers and move the puck quickly up the ice. He is comfortable both leading the rush and joining in as a trailer. His skating skill allows him to do this, as well as pinch in at the blue line, and still get back defensively. Timmins is an outstanding play maker. He is very smart, seeing plays develop and reacting to the movements of teammates and defenders. His vision is good and he sees plays that others don’t. Timmins passing skills are also very good. He can fit pucks through tight openings. He has the skills to make saucer passes to teammates, landing the puck flat on the tape.
Timmins has a good shot from the point. His slap shot is accurate and has good power. He keeps his shot low, and manages to get it on net, and through traffic. His low shot allows teammates to get to the front of the net, screening goalkeepers, and getting tips and deflections. He also has a good wrist shot which he can use to get the puck on net when pressured at the point. He has a quick release which also makes his shot effect on the rush.
Defensive Game
Conor Timmins is very physical in his own end of the rink. Forwards have to keep their head up on his side of the ice, as he is always looking to make an impact with a big hit. He maintains good gap control, and uses an explosive lower body to just explode into the hit. Timmins is also physical in the corners and in front of the net. He must continue to get stronger in order to continue to play this style at higher levels against bigger, stronger forwards. His positioning is pretty good, but could continue to be improved with more experience. Timmins can transition the puck quickly out of his own zone when he gets the opportunity.
Projection and Comparison
Conor Timmins was just three days too young to be in the 2016 draft. The late birthday has likely done him a lot of good, as he wouldn’t have been on many team’s radar if eligible to be drafted one year ago. In the last year he has taken on the role of number one defenceman on a first place team that also features other NHL Draft picks in Colton White, Noah Carroll, and Gustav Bouramman. He could develop into a two-way defenceman, capable of playing top pairing minutes at the NHL level. In terms of a stylistic comparison, his game is similar to Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers, but this is not a talent based comparison.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #26 Prospect available on our draft board.
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