[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Here's what I think in regards to McQueen, anyone can feel free to add or correct:

-In the past, the knock was that his skating mechanics were lacking, and that might have hurt his top speed- this was evident at 2023's Hlinka. These days, it seems most scouts agree that his skating has improved, and he's now referred to as being a strong skater with excellent agility and 4-way mobility who can beat defenders wide.
-He's nowhere as mean as a Cayden Lindstrom for example, but he uses his size well in puck protection, winning battles, and in front of the net. He's tenacious, and competes well for pucks, but in the past he has shown occasional lapses in intensity. 50 PIM in 53 games last year shows he has a slight chip on his shoulder.
-Can't comment on whether or not he's made any strides in the current season in regards to his defense, but this has been an area of concern up to this point- as has his play without the puck. Not a big worry, as many kids his age show these deficiencies. He can play C or W, and his two-way play will determine if he's a true C in the pros.
-McQueen is 4 months older than Lindstrom was in his draft year, with an October 2nd birthday- meaning he missed the cutoff to being drafted this past summer by only a few weeks. This is one reason as to why he's slipped a few spots in preliminary rankings. Lindstrom had 42 points in 61 games in his D-minus-1 year, while McQueen had 51 points in 53 games in his- with much less talent surrounding him.
-McQueen is highly skilled, and a very proficient stickhandler. He exhibits top-notch IQ and vision for playmaking, but he already owns an NHL-caliber shot, and looks to be leaning towards being a scorer- with 4 goals and 6 points in 2 WHL games thus far in the 2024-25 season, 4 goals and 7 points in the Hlinka, and 4 goals and 5 points in last year's WHL playoffs. He's good in front of the net and can score garbage goals, but he's got good hands in-tight.

Just my opinion.

McQueen is miles better than Lindstrom at everything except skating, the age factor is a slight concern, but because of his size and overall game it's a small concern. I'm told he got a late start as well and didn't start playing organized hockey till he was 9 or 10.