Conner Bleackley

Last updated

Conner Bleackley
Conner bleackley red deer rebels 1.jpg
Bleackley with the Red Deer Rebels in 2014
Born (1996-02-07) February 7, 1996 (age 28)
High River, Alberta, Canada
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Right
team
Former teams
Free Agent
Chicago Wolves
San Antonio Rampage
Texas Stars
Hartford Wolf Pack
NHL draft 23rd overall, 2014
Colorado Avalanche
144th overall, 2016
St. Louis Blues
Playing career 2016present

Conner Bleackley (born February 7, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently playing under contract with the Rapid City Rush in the ECHL. Bleackley was originally selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, [1] but was not signed to an entry-level contract, forcing him to re-enter the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, whereupon he was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round, 144th overall.

Contents

Playing career

Bleackley was selected by the Red Deer Rebels in the 1st round (21st overall) of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft from AAA Bantam club the Okotoks Oilers. [2] After playing a further half season of midget hockey with the UFA Bisons of Strathmore in the Alberta Midget Hockey League he made his WHL debut in the 2011–12 season.

In only his second full season with the Red Deer Rebels he was named team captain as a 17-year-old for the 2013–14 season. [3] Bleackley whilst showing positional versatility broke out offensively with the Rebels, producing a career high 29 goals and 68 points in 71 games. His outstanding play was further rewarded when he was chosen to skate in the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. [4]

Bleackley draft stock rose and he finished the season rated as a top prospect [5] who was viewed as a possible first round selection heading into the 2014 NHL Entry Draft before he was selected by the Colorado Avalanche. [6] In Bleackley's first NHL training camp, the Avalanche were critical of his conditioning and promptly returned him to the WHL without an entry-level contract. [7] In the 2014–15 season, Bleackley continued his scoring pace from previous seasons with 27 goals and 49 points in 51 games. On February 6, Bleackley suffered a strained groin, effectively ruling him out until the post-season in which Red Deer suffered a first-round exit. [7]

During the off-season in the lead up to the 2015–16 season, Bleackley returned to the Avalanche rookie and training camp with ambition to earn an entry-level contract. [8] With an improved physical performance, Bleackley was later returned for his final season of junior after competing in a pre-season game with the Avalanche. Prior to the commencement of the WHL season, Bleackley was relinquished of the captaincy by the Rebels, with coach Brent Sutter explaining the intent to focus on reaching his potential. [9] With a guaranteed berth at the 2016 Memorial Cup, Bleackley struggled in the early stages of the year offensively. Bleackley picked up his offensive production and scored 41 points in 47 games before suffering a broken kneecap against the Everett Silvertips on January 23, 2016. [10]

With the Avalanche intending not to offer Bleackley a contract, at the trade deadline on February 29, 2016, his rights were included in a trade alongside Alex Tanguay and fellow prospect Kyle Wood to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Mikkel Boedker. [11] Citing his injury history, the Coyotes also declined to offer Bleackley a contract and instead chose to receive a compensatory second-round draft pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft; Bleackley will be required to re-enter the same draft. [12]

After his re-selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues, on July 2, 2016, Bleackley was finally signed to a three-year, entry-level contract. [13]

At the conclusion of his entry-level contract, Bleackley was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Blues, releasing him to become a free agent on June 25, 2019. [14] Unable to attract NHL interest, Bleackley was signed to a one-year ECHL contract with the Idaho Steelheads on September 3, 2019. [15] He was invited to attend the Steelheads AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars training camp prior to the 2019–20 season. On October 5, 2019 after a successful camp he was signed to a professional try-out contract with Texas to remain on the roster. [16] Bleackley opened the season with the Stars, scoring 2 goals in a 5-3 defeat to the Manitoba Moose on October 5, 2019. Showing initial success with the Stars, Bleackley remained with the club through 10 games, registering 5 points, before he was returned to the Idaho Steelheads. Bleackley compiled 13 points through 18 games with the Steelheads before he was dealt in a three-way trade to the Maine Mariners on January 14, 2020. [17] Bleackley played well with Maine over the last 15 games of the 2019–20 season, recording 5 goals and 5 assists.

On January 2, 2021, Bleackley continued his career in the ECHL, signing a contract to play with the Allen Americans. [18] In the 2020–21 season, Bleackley struggled to contribute offensively, posting 4 goals and 9 points through 32 regular season games. On April 13, 2021, he was traded by the Americans to the Indy Fuel to complete an earlier transaction. He did not report and feature with the Fuel. [19]

As a free agent in the following summer, Bleackley opted to continue in the ECHL, returning to former club the Maine Mariners on September 29, 2021. [20]

International play

As a 17-year-old he was chosen to compete with the team representing Canada Pacific at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, and as an 18-year-old he helped Team Canada capture the bronze medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships. [21]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2011–12UFA Bisons AMHL 261317304120000
2011–12 Red Deer Rebels WHL 162026
2012–13 Red Deer RebelsWHL6699182892130
2013–14 Red Deer RebelsWHL712939684810110
2014–15 Red Deer RebelsWHL512722494951124
2015–16 Red Deer RebelsWHL5513334649
2016–17 Chicago Wolves AHL 452810820005
2016–17 Missouri Mavericks ECHL 147101714
2017–18 Tulsa Oilers ECHL4019193882
2017–18 Chicago WolvesAHL70112
2017–18 San Antonio Rampage AHL131017
2018–19 San Antonio RampageAHL575111635
2019–20 Texas Stars AHL103256
2019–20 Idaho Steelheads ECHL1849134
2019–20 Maine Mariners ECHL15551014
2019–20 Hartford Wolf Pack AHL10002
2020–21 Allen Americans ECHL3245917
2021–22 Maine MarinersECHL6611152638611210
2022–23 Maine MarinersECHL32481219
2023–24 Rapid City Rush ECHL130332
AHL totals1331122336020005

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2013 Canada Pacific U17 5th531412
2014 Canada U18 Bronze medal icon.svg71124
Junior totals1242616

Awards and honours

HonoursYear
CHL
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game (Team Cherry) 2014 [22]
International
World U-17 Hockey Challenge (Canada Pacific) 2013 [23]
IIHF World U18 Championship Bronze Medal 2014 [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Deer Rebels</span> Western Hockey League team in Red Deer, Alberta

The Red Deer Rebels are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The Rebels are members of the Western Hockey League and play home games at the Peavey Mart Centrium. The Rebels won the President's Cup and the Memorial Cup during the 2000–01 season.

The Sutter family, originally from Viking, Alberta, Canada, are one of the most famous families in the National Hockey League (NHL). Six brothers: Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Rich and Ron, reached the NHL in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Four brothers, Brian, Duane, Darryl and Brent, have gone on to become coaches and general managers as well, with Brian, Darryl, and Brent each having a stint as head coach of the Calgary Flames. All brothers played for either the Chicago Blackhawks or the St. Louis Blues at one point or another. A seventh brother named Gary is said by his brothers to have been the best hockey player of all seven boys. Rather than making his living as a hockey player, Gary stayed home to work on the family farm, as Rich remarked on an episode of the Canadian sports show Off the Record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colby Armstrong</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1982)

Colby Joseph Armstrong is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger. He was selected in the first round, 21st overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Armstrong also previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. He currently serves as an analyst for NHL on Sportsnet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Reimer</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1988)

James Reimer is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Reimer has also played in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks and Carolina Hurricanes. He was selected by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He started playing minor hockey in his hometown when he was 12. He played junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL), after being selected in the fifth round of the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikkel Bødker</span> Danish ice hockey player (born 1989)

Mikkel Bødker is a Danish former professional ice hockey right winger. He was selected eighth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest-ever drafted Danish player. He also featured on the cover of the video game NHL 10 in Denmark and Norway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Ryan Jarromie Noel Nugent-Hopkins is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Nuge" by Oilers fans, Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darcy Kuemper</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Darcy Kuemper is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round, 161st overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He has also played in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche. Kuemper won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Murray</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Ryan James Murray is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Murray was drafted second overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Murray won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

Jake Newton is an American professional ice hockey defenseman. He is currently playing for Storhamar in the Norwegian GET-ligaen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Dumba</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Mathew Dumba is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Dumba was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, with whom he spent his first 10 seasons. Dumba previously played junior with the Red Deer Rebels and briefly for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landon Ferraro</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1991)

Landon Christopher Ferraro is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played under contract with Kölner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Ferraro was drafted 32nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, with whom he began his NHL career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrik Bartošák</span> Czech ice hockey player (born 1993)

Patrik Bartošák is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently playing with the Lahti Pelicans of the Liiga. Bartošák was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 5th round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Bartošák is a nephew of former NHL player, Radek Bonk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haydn Fleury</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1996)

Haydn Fleury is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Fleury was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cole Ully</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Cole Ully is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward. He is currently signed to UK Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) side Cardiff Devils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Mahura</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1998)

Joshua Mahura is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Hagel</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1998)

Brandon Hagel is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). After making his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 11, 2020, the NHL season was postponed due to COVID-19.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Strand</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Austin Strand is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL). He previously played for the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks in the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kale Kessy</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Kale Kessy is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was originally drafted in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sebastian Cossa</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 2002)

Sebastian Cossa is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Jake Leschyshyn is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Leschyshyn played junior hockey for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League, serving as captain of the latter in 2018–19, and previously played in the NHL for the Vegas Golden Knights. He also played in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves and Henderson Silver Knights.

References

  1. "Conner Bleackley selected by Avs with No. 23 pick in draft". Denver Post . June 27, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  2. "Rebels pick Conner Bleackley". Red Deer Rebels. May 5, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  3. "Hockey's Future: Conner Bleackley". HockeysFuture.com. October 21, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  4. "Red Deer Rebels' Conner Bleackley fond of High River roots". Calgary Sun. January 14, 2014. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  5. "Red Deer Rebels' Conner Bleackley readies for NHL Scouting Combine". National Hockey League. June 20, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  6. "Conner Bleackley: 2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile". In Lou We Trust. May 23, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  7. 1 2 "Avalanche draft pick Bleackley working toward his time in the NHL". Denver Post . July 7, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  8. "Prospect Bleackley relishes learning". Colorado Avalanche. September 18, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  9. "Colorado Avalanche prospect Conner Bleackley stripped of captaincy". bsndenver.com. October 15, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
  10. "Rebels lose Bleackley to broken kneecap". thecoachessite.com. January 26, 2016. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  11. "Alex Tanguay, prospects traded to Arizona for Mikkel Boedker". Denver Post . February 29, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  12. "Coyotes' Bleackley to re-enter draft". thescore.com. June 15, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  13. "Blues add depth, agree to terms with 9 players". St. Louis Blues. July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  14. "Blues extend qualifying offers to 9 players". St. Louis Blues. June 25, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  15. "Forward Conner Bleackley joins Steelheads". Idaho Steelheads. September 3, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  16. "Texas Stars announce training camp roster". Texas Stars. September 24, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  17. "Mariners acquire Bleackley from Idaho in three team deal". Maine Mariners. January 14, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  18. ECHL (January 2, 2021). "Americans sign Conner Bleackley". Twitter . Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  19. "Fuel complete trade with Americans". Indy Fuel. April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  20. "Bleackley returns to Mariners". ECHL. September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  21. "High River's Conner Bleackley Poised and Ready For NHL Draft". HighriverOnline.com. June 20, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  22. "Team Orr beats Team Cherry in CHL Top Prospects Game". The Globe and Mail . January 16, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  23. "Rebel paces Pacific into top five". OkotoksWesternWheel.com. January 9, 2013. Archived from the original on June 13, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  24. "Canada Claims Bronze at World Under-18 Championships". Okotoksonline.com. April 28, 2014. Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Colorado Avalanche first round draft pick
2014
Succeeded by