Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 3):
RHC Cole McKinney (6'0",190lbs)
NTDP: 30gp/ 9g/ 17a/ 26pts, +4, 29 PIM.
Cole McKinney is a two-way center who plays the game the right way, and doesn't cheat. He's an all-situations player who can contribute to both special teams, but is a natural on the PK and a guy who can win important faceoffs. He's perhaps one of those players who gets described as being good at everything, but not elite in any area; that said, I like this kid a lot. He is never outworked, and plays a hard and heavy style with intensity. He battles hard in the trenches, and is a load to handle on the forecheck. McKinney is quite aggressive, initiating contact whenever he can and skating through checks; he has a seemingly endless motor, and a high workrate. While he is perhaps not a speed merchant or lightning fast, he is a good skater with balance, agility, and smooth edges that allow him to change direction and pace rather quickly. He is strong on his skates and hard to knock over.
McKinney is not supremely skilled or really dynamic in any way, preferring instead to keep things simple and mostly risk-free. He doesn't really wow much with his handling or passing, and only occasionally flashes high-end ability and puck-skill. Despite this, he still manages to be a highly effective playmaker with good instincts, sound decision-making, and sharp vision under pressure. His shot is nothing special either, and he doesn't score often from distance, relying instead on his soft hands in-tight and his willingness to go to the net to beat goalies. If there's one asset of his that stands out, it is probably his high-end vision and IQ. The offensive side of his game is highly underrated; he's 3rd in NTDP scoring (ahead of the more highly-touted Will Moore), and was one of the best players for the American side in the CHL-USA Prospects Games (2 pts in 2 games).
McKinney is not considered to be much of a play-driver, but he manages to find open space to lead the rush on occasion, and can contribute to the transition by pass or by carry. Defensively, he's poised and reliable, always in good position, and very details-oriented. He battles hard along the walls to win pucks, supports his D down low, applies supreme pressure to attackers, shuts down lanes, and blocks shots. His off-puck game is exemplary on the backcheck, and he's always two steps ahead of the play- ready to turn defense into offense. McKinney is a high-floor player going forward due to his checking abilities, as well as his penalty-killing acumen, but he could make a good middle-6 C in the NHL if he further develops his game. He is committed to the University of Michigan in 2025-26, and I believe he'll be picked in the late first/early second of the 2025 Draft.
|