In spot #23 we have our first returning player. Connor Kurth often gets forgotten about when the discussion turns to Lightning prospects. However, he has the tools to make it to the NHL.
| Name | Connor Kurth |
| Position | Forward |
| Age (as of October 1) | 21 |
| Height/Weight | 6’0″, 212 lbs. |
| Expected 2024-25 Team | University of Minnesota |
| Draft – Year, Round | 2022, 6th Round (192 overall) |
| Previous Rankings | 24 (2023), 25 (2022) |
| Writer’s Ranking | 21 |
| Reader’s Ranking | 23 |
| Final Rank | 23 |
Stats
Our Thoughts
Connor Kurth continues his slow climb up the Top 25. In 2022 he was ranked 25th. Last year he climbed up a spot to 24th. Now he comes in at 23rd. At 21-years-old, we don’t think he has the time to make it all the way to the top. With all of that being said, Kurth is on track to be another prospect that has a bottom-six NHL forward ceiling and a pretty good AHL’er as a floor. He’s entering his third season at the University of Minnesota and should be one of their top forwards.
It’s another program that is packed with NHL draft picks (12 including Kurth), but the Lightning prospect should see some time on the left wing on one of the top two lines while also getting an opportunity on the power play. In a middle-six role last season he duplicated the 7 goals he put up as a freshman, but doubled his assist total to 14. The 21 points in 37 games didn’t light the world on fire, but it’s a steady progression for the youngster.
The Minnesota-native could be another shining example of the work that Barb Underhill and her team do with improving the skating of the Bolts’ prospects. Skating was a concern when the Lightning drafted him in 2022, but he has drastically improved that area of his game. As Elite Prospects’ Lauren Kelly wrote,
“The biggest strides Connor Kurth made this season were, quite literally, his skating stride. It’s doubtful that it will ever be an advantage in the NHL, but the difference in his mechanics this season compared to where they were in his draft year is night and day.”
As she mentioned, he has yet to turn into Brayden Point overnight, but if he can improve a little more and get to at least an average NHL-level, he could be productive when you factor in his size and the style of hockey he plays. He does play heavy and uses his size to open shooting lanes for his better-than-average shot.
Depending on how his season goes, Kurth could turn pro at the end of his junior year and join the Crunch after the Gophers’ season is over. The Lightning have until the summer of 2026 to sign him to his entry-level contract, so there isn’t a rush yet. He has the size to play in the AHL right now, but the Bolts will probably want to see how he handles an increased role with his current team before they talk about offering him a contract.
Highlight Videos
Kurth picked up an assist on this goal, but the best part of the play was seeing that the Omaha player had his back to him and couldn’t see him step up to force the turnover. He then made a nice pass to Jimmy Clark who finished the play off.
This is a right time, right place goal. Kurth got to the front of the net, and won the battle with the Penn State defender. With his stick freed up, he tapped home the rebound.
Once he got his feet going, he pulled away from the defense. Again, the start of the play showed some good instincts. He saw that there was no one behind the defender so he could chip it past him and win the race. The pass was a little off, but he caused a little confusion in front of the net when he crashed down low.
Once again he put himself in a good spot to score. Some forwards would drift down closer to the crease and take away space. Instead, Kurth stopped in the slot and waited for the pass. It wasn’t the quickest release, but he put the shot in the right area to beat the goaltender.
He also has some sound financial advice for you. Pay your bills!
