Winnipeg Jets nab Kyle Connor of USHL's Youngstown Phantoms No. 17 overall

In a first round that has been all about speed, the Winnipeg Jets snapped up explosive Kyle Connor of the Youngstown Phantoms with their No. 17 overall choice.

Connor, who is committed to the Michigan Wolverines program where Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba played before going pro, turned heads during his draft season in the United States Hockey League with his ability to control the puck and change the tempo of games with his speed and skill. Not unlike Jets centre Mark Scheifele, who had a similar lanky body type during his Barrie Colts days, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Connor was a riser throughout his draft season.

The Shelby Township, Mich., native scored 34 goals and 80 points across 56 games for the Phantoms, which he helped reel off 23 wins in 25 games during one span of the USHL season. Throughout the season, Connor evinced excellent ability to create scoring chances on a regular basis for his Phantoms teammates, as well as himself.

The Jets stayed south of the border for the No. 25 overall pick, taking two-way centre Jack Roslovic from the U.S. under-18 team, Trouba's other alma mater.

The 18-year-old Connor was the first current USHL player to hear his name called at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. It's expected that he will need time in college hockey to develop his strength and muscle mass.

Connor's major junior hockey rights are held by the OHL's Saginaw Spirit.

Roslovic has been hailed for having top hockey sense and excellent acceleration. The Columbus, Ohio, native had a 76-point season for the U.S. under-18 team and helped it win the gold medal at the world under-18 championship. He's committed to playing in his home state next season with the Miami of Ohio RedHawks.

"We really like Jack's hockey IQ and his skills are tremendous," Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff told Sportsnet. "We really look forward to adding him to the prospects we have in the organization. We've had a great history with the U.S. development program."

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @naitSAYger.