2022 Flames Second Round Targets: Bryce McConnell-Barker

The 6-foot-1, 187-pound forward is almost always going full-throttle. That’s often a good thing, but can sometimes turn into a negative when the play requires a change of pace or a release of pressure. When it works, McConnell-Barker looks unstoppable, but he’ll occasionally chase down a play or try to push through bodies without much certainty or effectiveness. It’s a sign of tunnel-vision, something that’s rectifiable by video coaching. The foundations of McConnell-Barker’s game reside in his pace of play and his goal-scoring touch. He possesses a whippy, short release which is fairly well-masked and can beat netminders from short- to mid-range. He can also find and create seams pretty well. The overall package with this prospect is alluring, but some tweaks are required in order to maximize that top-six upside. With enough time and patience, though, it’s entirely possible, which makes McConnell-Barker a great second-round pick-up for a team looking to add some goals to their pipeline.

I like McConnell-Barker. A lot. I believe that his role on the deep and older Soo Greyhounds squad doesn’t always put him in the best offensive situations and that his offensive numbers take a hit because of that. He is a well-rounded 200-foot player who is good on draws, you can trust in the defensive zone, is a very good skater and has an excellent shot. Here’s the thing: We’ve seen it a few times now where former Greyhounds produce playing a lesser role for the Greyhounds only to go on and have a hard time making it to the NHL. But as a mid to late second round pick, McConnell-Barker might be worth it.