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The U.S. National Team Development program has produced a ton of NHL talent in recent years. While there is no Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, or Jack Eichel as a can’t miss superstar on this year’s roster, there is still plenty of talent. Centre Cole McKinney led the Under-18 team in scoring this season. He put up 27 goals and 61 points in 60 games. He also played for the Americans at the Under-18 Worlds. McKinney scored three goals and five points in seven games in that competition. Moreover, he helped the American team win a bronze medal. McKinney also played two games in the USHL/CHL prospects series, picking up a goal and an assist.
In 2023-24 McKinney split time between the Under-17 and Under-18 teams. He scored 12 goals and 31 points in 41 games for the U17s, but through 11 games had just one goal at U18-level. He also had two assists in seven games at the Under-17 Worlds, winning silver.
Cole McKinney NHL Draft Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Right
Born March 16th, 2007 — Lake Forest, Illinois
Height 6’1″ — Weight 200 lbs [183 cm / 91 kg]
Skating
Cole McKinney is not the fastest skater out there but some aspects of his skating make up for the lack of pure straight-line speed. This is not to say that he is slow; instead, McKinney’s speed can be described as average. He keeps up with the play, but is not a burner. In addition, McKinney shows strong acceleration. His ability to change speeds can fool defenders and open space. McKinney also has excellent agility and edgework. His side-to-side movement, with as well as without the puck, can help him to get by defenders and create passing and shooting lanes. He is also strong on the puck, with excellent balance. McKinney can use his body to protect the puck and fight through checks. He wins battles on the boards and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
McKinney plays a simple, but effective offensive game. He is focused on playing a North-South style and getting the puck to the front of the net. He will make the short, safe pass to a teammate to maintain puck control and patiently wait for openings. McKinney is not the type of player to take risks with his passes or try to beat a defender one-on-one. Instead, he looks to maintain possession and wait for the opponent to make a mistake. When they do, he is quick to get the puck to the front of the net, which is where he scores the majority of his points. McKinney has a decent wrist shot and snapshot. He can score in tight with the soft hands to bang in a pass or loose puck, pounce on rebounds, or tip-in a teammate’s shot.
McKinney is an extremely hard worker. He gets in quickly on the forecheck, pressuring opposing defenders and forcing them into mistakes. He is always involved in battles on the boards. McKinney is also willing to get to the front of the net, where he creates issues for opposing goalies. He protects the puck well down low and works the give-and-go in the cycle game. His feet are always moving. Add to that the fact that he almost always makes the smart play with the puck, and he can produce offensively, even without making a lot of flashy highlight-reel plays.
Defensive Game
McKinney also brings his work ethic and non-stop motor to the defensive end of the ice. He supports his defence down low and forces opponents to the outside. He can break up the cycle game with a hit on an opponent or by stealing the puck with a poke check. McKinney also reads the play well. He is able to intercept passes and create turnovers. Once a turnover is created, McKinney is quick to get the puck up the ice and start the transition game. He is also good defensively against the rush. McKinney has a good feel for when to pressure the puck carrier and force them into a mistake. He has also shown ability in the faceoff circle.
Projection and Comparison
McKinney is set to attend the University of Michigan Wolverines next season. He could use a couple of seasons at the college level, where he can continue to fill out his frame and get stronger. A lighter schedule in the NCAA allows for this. He could also be part of the United States World Junior squad. As always, competition for spots will be tough, but as one of the best players on this year’s U18 team, as well as the fact that he plays a strong defensive game, will help him.
While he will never be a big scorer, he can produce enough to play on a second line if he reaches his potential. McKinney also has the defensive game and penalty kill ability to contribute against an opponent’s top line and contribute defensively if he develops well. McKinney’s game is reminiscent of Lars Eller. However, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or ability.
Main Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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