Top 25 Under 25: Connor Dewar is as steady as it gets at No. 10

A few years into his career with the Minnesota Wild organization, Connor Dewar continues to take steps forward in his development.

They may be baby steps, but it’s progress nonetheless.

A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, the 22-year old has developed into a bit of a utility man for the organization. Primarily a centre, Dewar's high motor and competitiveness have made him into the perfect plug n’ play support forward. His skating was considered a minus when first drafted. Still, it doesn’t seem to be holding him back from regularly contributing on the penalty-kill, powerplay and even strength, either as a forward or a winger.

Embodying the “tries hard, loves the game” mantra, he endears himself to teammates while his utility and consistency raise his stock in his coaches’ eyes.

The Stats

Dewar’s offensive numbers aren’t those of a contributor at an elite level. The 2018-19 season with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL was the first time since his U15 days that he had produced at more than a point-per-game. But while he hasn’t had that sort of success in the AHL, he does seem to be finding his footing.

In 32 games with the Iowa Wild last year, Dewar eclipsed his totals from his 52 game rookie campaign with Iowa. With 12 goals and 11 assists, Dewar fits in as a complimentary forward with special unit contributions; the point production is just a bonus.

Roll The Tape

Connor Dewar highlights?

cracks knuckles

They do exist, but unbuckle that seat belt and get off the edge of your seat. Dewar’s value comes from doing the smart thing, which is often the boring thing.

That said, check out this rocket of a wrist shot from the point on the powerplay;

Even at 5’ 10” and 181 pounds, he isn’t afraid to battle in front of the net;

In fact, that wrister from the point on the powerplay is a bit of a play for Dewar, and it works well.

The Future

Last year in the T25U25, I wrote that players ranked below Dewar likely had brighter futures in the NHL than Dewar did. While he took a step forward in production this year, I don’t think my opinion of him has changed.

Connor Dewar is an extremely hard-working and smart hockey player whose offensive gifts lag behind many other players in the T25U25 list. While that holds back his ceiling, it means the floor for his potential is that much higher. This is a player who will not fail if he has anything to say about it.

He was one of the few players to join the Minnesota Wild’s Black Aces group heading into their playoff run, and while he never saw any ice time, he was a good bet to fill in a bottom-six slot in the event of a disaster. He’ll never make a mistake that will cost you the game, and he will give it his all when he’s on the ice.

“The Pitbull” nickname might be corny, but it’s fitting.

Hockey Wilderness 2021 Top 25 Under 25

25) Simon Johansson, D

24) Caedan Bankier, C

23) Kyle Masters, D

22) Damien Giroux, C

21) Ivan Lodnia, RW

20) Hunter Jones, G

19) Nikita Nesterenko, C

18) Alexander Khovanov, C

17) Mason Shaw, C

16) Jack McBain, C

15) Jack Peart, C

14) Daemon Hunt, D

13) Vladislav Firstov, LW

12) Ryan O’Rourke, D

11) Carson Lambos, D

10) Connor Dewar, C/LW