Per the Flyers’ Twitter account and GM Ron Hextall, the Flyers have signed 2016 fourth-round pick Connor Bunnaman to an entry-level deal.
Per GM Ron Hextall, the #Flyers have signed F Connor Bunnaman to an entry-level contract → https://t.co/sPiuYdkZfJ pic.twitter.com/ADxCfhJ3YH
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 21, 2017
Bunnaman has played his last three seasons in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers. He has improved in point totals over the last three seasons, with 15 points in his first year, 38 in his draft year, and 52 this past season. He has also improved mightily in his goal totals this year with 37 goals this year as compared to 10 and 16 in his first two. He came in 3rd on the team in points this year and 1st in goals.
Bunnaman has been described as a 2-way forward with a physical, gritty edge. The 19-year old center is strong on the boards and a very aggressive player. See what Future Considerations had to say about Bunnaman when he was drafted:
Bunnaman is an aggressive, two-way center who contributes in all aspects of the game. He is strong defensively, picking up his check. He consistently is hard on the puck carrier and looks to force turnovers every chance he gets. He is a mainstay on the Rangers’ penalty killing unit as he anticipates the play very well and is an intimidating forechecker who forces the puck carrier into making rushed plays in the neutral zone. Fairly uid and strong on his feet, Bunnaman is a heavy forward who the reads the play well and gets right on the man with the puck to quickly establish his presence and work to gain possession of the puck. An absolute beast on the wall, he can lay crushing hits when he sees the opportunity, and is able to absorb checks and stay upright on the wall. This big power forward can do more than be a physical presence though; he is extremely fast in pursuit and possesses above-average speed in his class. He is quick on the puck and is hungry to gain possession of the biscuit. Bunnaman also has a decent set of hands and quick release. He positions himself well in the offensive zone and shows off his ability to quickly settle bouncing pucks to get a shot off from the slot. He’s a bit of a project, but could surprise with his upside when he gains confidence and realizes what type of player he could become.
I don’t quite know if there is a spot for him on the roster in the near-future, but the more competition, the better. He will be returning to Kitchener next year for his 4th season with the team.
