Watching this video of McQueen that certainly raises questions. Warrants a deeper look and I am not sure I would love him at 18th any longer. Health risk, but just as importantly, a terrible shot and non-existent playmaking, makes me want to pass on him. However, he is a really toolsy guy - fantastic skater for his size, filthy mitts, and is physical. If he can work on his shot and at least be decent with set-plays within a team's offensive system, he can be an important playoff-type of player.
I see him as a checker at the NHL level, and because he doesn't have playmaking ability, maybe a winger. I think he will be a fantastic forechecker, and the option on PP2 you want carrying the puck into the offensive zone, who then works the net-front. Great size, but a terrible shot from distance, but he can elevate quickly. Will be great at puck retrievals along the boards too, as I am sure over time he will become very effective along the boards. Colborne at first was a fairly weak along the boards, but I felt he started becoming dominant there - McQueen will figure that out as he gets stronger, especially since he has great hand coordination too.
Also not crazy to think that he can really work on his shot over time. It seems to be a complete muffin right now (both his wrist and one-timer). Will it remain that way his whole career like Stajan's was? Or Hanifin's? Or will he be able to do what Lindholm did and turn his muffin into that of a lethal sniper? I think it is much easier to fix a shot than to develop vision as a playmaker - at this stage, I think I will cross-off McQueen from becoming a top 6 center. I think a center HAS to have a certain ability to be creative in finding his wingers and controlling things in the offensive zone. I see him more of a net-front guy.
Definitely worth watching a few more on this kid though. I would be really happy to bring him into the organization, I just don't think I would be very happy at 18th. I think it isn't a shot at 1st line center. Ryabkin for me would be a better 'swing' than McQueen. I love size in players and make no secret about it, but I much prefer Ryabkin as a potential #1 center if we are comparing these two players head-to-head.
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