Utah added to its defensive depth by adding 34-year-old Kevin Connauton to a two-year deal worth $1.55 million ($775K AAV) on Monday. The travelling defensemen last appeared in the NHL in 2021-22 with Philadelphia. In 2023-24, he was an assistant captain for Ontario (AHL) and had three goals and 18 points in 61 games played.
Connauton has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings as part of a three-team blockbuster trade involving Columbus and five players and three draft picks. The 33-year-old defensemen had three goals, 12 assists, 49 PIMs and a +6 plus/minus through 63 games played with Lehigh Valley (AHL) in 2022-23 and has 360 career NHL games played with 80 points (28G/52A) across that span.
Connauton was hurt in Saturday's game vs. the Blackhawks and will be replaced by Nick Seeler in the lineup on Tuesday. The Flyers do not have a timetable for Connauton's return.
Rasmus Ristolainen is dealing with an undisclosed injury, so Connauton will draw into the lineup on Saturday afternoon. He has suited up for just 23 games this season, failing to register a single point.
Connauton was in and out of the Panthers lineup over the last month and was waived yesterday with Gustav Forsling returning on Tuesday. Gabriel Carlsson will remain with the Panthers now that Connauton is gone.
Connauton did not finish Wednesday's game vs. the Bruins and will be a game-time decision on Friday. Look for Markus Nutivaara to replace Connauton if he can't play.
Connauton figures to go to the Panthers' taxi squad or the AHL after signing a two-way deal on Wednesday. Connauton had no points in just four games with the Avalanche last season, spending most of the year in the AHL. He had 27 points (5G / 22A) in 38 games with the Eagles.
Connauton has appeared in just one NHL game this season but has played terrific in the AHL, ranking second among Eagles defensemen with 27 points (5G / 22A) in 38 games.
Connauton, who has collected three assists in 11 AHL games this season and 76 points (27G / 49A) in 310 career NHL games will replace Mark Barberio on the Colorado blueline on Thursday.
Connauton did not appear in a game with the Avalanche during his call-up. With Ian Cole back from offseason hip surgery, Connauton was no longer needed as a reserve defenseman. He heads back to the Eagles, where he had no points, two PIMS and a minus-4 rating in two games.
Connauton appeared in 50 games with Arizona last season, posting just one goal and seven assists (eight points). The blueline is crowded right now in Colorado, so look for Connauton to serve as the No.6/7 defenseman for most of the 2020 campaign.
Connauton is a little banged up and is not expected to play Friday vs. the Devils. Connauton will be replaced by Alex Goligoski, who returns after a one-game absence with an illness.
