James was drafted in the ninth round, 279th overall, by the
Los Angeles Kings in the
2002 NHL entry draft. James played for 4 years for the University of Denver and won one NCAA National Championship with the Pioneers. He appeared in two
National Hockey League games with the Kings in the
2005–06 season. James then signed with the
Pittsburgh Penguins organization prior to the
2006–07 season. The following season while called up to the Penguins on February 16,
2008, Conner scored his first NHL goal against
Rick DiPietro of the
New York Islanders. In September 2008, the Penguins cut James from the active roster for the
2008–09 season, returning to affiliate the
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. On March 25, 2009, James was named the 14th captain in team history. On July 31, 2009, James signed for
Augsburger Panther of the DEL. After a season with the Panthers and two following seasons with the
DEG Metro Stars, James signed for his third DEL team, with a one-year contract with the
Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers on May 7, 2012. He spent three seasons with the Ice Tigers, before moving to fellow DEL side
Straubing Tigers for the
2015–16 campaign. ==Career statistics==