Observations:

June 2013- The Dallas Stars have inked Connauton to a three year deal. It's a two-way deal in year one, and becomes a one-way deal in the remaining two years. Stars beat writer Mike Heika reports via twitter, quote: "Just talked to Jim Nill re: Kevin Connauton's new contract. Because he requires waivers, Stars expect him to play in NHL next year" . Of special note for his owners in salary cap leagues, the terms are three years, $2,050,000, or an annual cap hit of $683,333. This makes him quite the bargain and gives his owners loads of flexibility and cap space to go along with his promising skill set. Rex Doty

June 2013- Connauton says the move from the Canucks system to the Stars was like hitting the reset button. He used the fresh start to make his mark in Texas. In nine regular season games after the trade he had six points. He then led all Stars in scoring in the playoffs with five points in nine games before the Stars were eliminated by the Barons. Connauton has a good chance of making his NHL debut in the 2013-14 season. Rex Doty

April 2013 - The Canucks have dealt Kevin Connauton to the Dallas Stars, along with a 2nd round draft pick, for centreman Derek Roy. Connauton enters an organization in need of defensive help so his fantasy value likely increases slightly. Connauton is a fantastic skater with a howitzer of a shot. He needs to improve in the defensive zone but the change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to take that next step. Brendan Ross

April 2012 – Kevin is future power play ‘trigger’ defenseman. He boasts a top end slap shot that regularly approaches and exceeds 100 MPH. He has scored 25 goals in his first couple of pro seasons, if your pool awards extra points for goals, take note. Chris Tanev has received most of the call ups the last two seasons for Vancouver, but Connauton has much higher productive and game-breaking ability. The main issue keeping Kevin out of the NHL is his defensive zone coverage. He is very free ranging and smooth skating, much like a young Mike Green, he needs to be more consistent and stronger at reading/preventing plays in his own zone. Kevin will likely play another AHL season next year but should see call ups as needed. Depending on his growth, he should be regular in 2013-14

Fantasy Outlook:  B+

His shot is too powerful of a weapon to keep out of the NHL for long, but his defensive growth will decide if he is a 12 min bottom pairing power play specialist or a 20+ minute regular.

Footage:

All Connauton… All the time! A complete package of all the skills he possesses.

Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR's released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Kevin Connauton statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects

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