An Interview With Brett Connolly, NHL Draft Prospect

On Thursday evening in Los Angeles, Matt Gunning of Bird Watchers Anonymous had a chance to speak with Brett Connolly, a prospect from the Prince George Tigers of the WHL. It's no surprise that he likes Connolly, as he selected him with the 8th pick in our Mock Draft.

Here's a bit of the interview:

Bird Watchers Anonymous: Did you have many teams interview during the season before the Combine?

Brett Connolly: Interviews--more like little visits when I was on the road. You might meet and go to lunch but that was about it. There were about 4-5 of those little visits.

BWA: Can you talk about the end of your season after you came back. Where you 100% or were you just good enough to get on the ice.

BC: I came back a week before the season ended and I felt great and there no pressure to come back. I felt great and it was my decision.

BWA: The Thrashers are one of the teams that is picking at a spot where you might be drafted--did you talk to them?

BC: The only time I talked to the Thrashers was at the Combine. There were no meeting before that.

Q: With all the attention given to Taylor and Tyler, do you feel like whoever is picked after them is the winner of the competition for the next group of players?

BC: A little bit. Obviously Taylor and Tyler deserved [the attention] they got this year and had exceptional junior careers. But for us, flying under the radar is good too. We're still going to be someone's first round pick.

Q: How are your hips?

BC: Good. Completely 100%. I continue to get checked on and I'm training hard. I haven't felt it since March. So I'm confident that they are as good as new and it's behind me.

BWA: Did you do any workouts for teams after the Combine?

BC: Yes. Minnesota had me in there doing some stuff. Phoenix and a few other teams. I was pretty busy with doctor's appointments...I was pretty busy yesterday and today...there were a few teams.

Q: How was your meeting with Minnesota go?

BC: I had a really good meeting with Minnesota. Obviously their doctors wanted to check me out. They had me do some movement stuff with my legs. Overall it was a good meeting. [two or three weeks ago]

There's a lot more at BWA, so make sure you head over there for the full read.