McConnell Barker completed his first full season of pro hockey in 2024-25, appearing in 68 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, posting 15 points. While clearly struggling to acclimate to the pro level, the young center gained valuable experience and will look to take a big step forward in 2025-26. He is entering his second year of a three-year entry-level contract, signed in March 2023. Expect the Ontario native to spend at least one more full season, if not two, developing his game at the AHL level before attempting to earn a new contract following the 2026-27 season.

McConnell-Barker is skating in his first season with the Wolf Pack in the AHL, after appearing in four games with Hartford during the 2024 playoffs. Currently, he has five goals and five assists in 26 games played, and is in the first year of a three year, entry level contract signed in March of 2023. Although the organization’s center depth chart is a bit thin, the 20-year-old will need at least a full season’s development at the AHL level, before being considered for any kind of role in New York. With all of the Rangers’ current centers signed through at least 2026-27, McConnell-Barker will be given ample time to continue to develop in the minors. B

McConnell-Barker is in his third season with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, having compiled 12 goals and 18 assists thus far this season in 30 games played. The left-handed Center was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Rangers in March of 2023, which kicked in at the start of the 2023-2024 season. The Canadian-born prospect now checks in at six foot two, an inch taller than he was listed at last season, and should be ticketed for his first pro season in the Fall of 2024 with the Hartford Wolf Pack. While a talented playmaker, the Rangers organization will certainly employ a patient approach with the youngster and allow him to develop for at least a season or two in the AHL.

McConnell-Barker has completed his season with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, where he posted 30 goals and 47 assists for 77 points in 68 games played. The highly skilled lefthanded center has signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Hartford Wolf Pack for the remainder of the season, after signing his entry level contract with the team earlier this month. He will wear number eight with the Pack. February 2023 – McConnell-Barker, playing in his D+1 season, his second with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, has already surpassed his goal and assist totals from a year ago, averaging well over a point-per-game. In 43 games, he has posted 52 points. The left-shot center is among the league leaders in scoring, and is taking advantage of his increased role this season. Brendan Ferry

With the final pick in round three the New York Rangers selected McConnell-Barker 97th overall.