Connor Davis, a 19-year-old right-winger from the University of North Dakota, is the 16th-ranked prospect in the CanucksArmy's top 20 summer prospect rankings. The Canucks took a risk on him in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, and after further evaluation, they seem to be happy with the pick.
What makes Davis stand out is his relentless motor and never-ending energy. His feet are always in motion, both offensively and defensively. Offensively, he uses his speed to deke defenders and keep them guessing. While he struggles to break through into the interior, further skills training could improve this area.
When his offensive game isn't flowing, Davis turns to his motor to pressure defenders and force quick decisions, sometimes leading to turnovers. He's also a strong backchecker, retrieving pucks and transitioning quickly back to offense.
One of the most impressive aspects of Davis's game is his shot. He has a lot of zip on his wrist shot, which is a common trend among the Canucks' draft picks. This offseason, he worked on developing his shot, and it paid off, as he scored 26 goals, tied for 15th in the USHL. This is a significant improvement from the previous season.
According to Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis, Davis is an energetic forward who had a big season with Cedar Rapids. He felt that Davis was unstoppable down the stretch and that his playmaking has improved. Ellis believes that Davis has all the tools to succeed, but it's up to him to put it all together.
In terms of projection, it's early to tell what Davis' ceiling is, especially as an overager. However, if he continues to develop at the same rate as last year, his ceiling could be a bottom-six scoring option. His floor is likely a middle-six offensive contributor, thanks to his relentless motor and never-quit attitude.
Despite being an overager, Davis has an extra year of development on most of the Canucks' 2026 draft choices. He will need to refine his game in the NCAA, facing tougher competition than he did in the USHL. It's likely that he will spend a couple of years in the NCAA and a few more in the AHL before making an impact in the NHL.
In conclusion, Connor Davis is a promising prospect with a lot of potential. His motor, shot, and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset, and with further development, he could become a key contributor for the Canucks in the future.
