COLE MCKINNEY SCOUTING REPORT | Physical 2-Way Center

In this episode, we continue our Prospect Spotlight series, in which we take a full episode deep dive on a single draft-eligible prospect, today's focus: Cole McKinney, the USNTDP's consistent 1st line center. First, we introduce the player with his profile, statistical production, and his tools: shooting, passing, handling, Skating, and physicality. Next, we shift our attention to his toolkit and habits, for which we take out the tactics board. Last, we discuss McKinney's projection at the NHL level, where he might fall on draft day, and some NHL player comparisons.

Elite Prospects' tool projection scale goes from 1 to 9:
1 - Below AHL Caliber Tool
2 - AHL Caliber Tool
3 - Replacement-Level Tool
4 - Average 4th line/#6 Defenceman Tool
5 - Average 3rd line/#4 Defenseman Tool
6 - Standard Top-6/Top-4 Tool
7 - Standard Top Line/Pairing Tool (Nick Suzuki's hockey sense)
8 - Game-Breaking Tool (Quinn Hughes' passing)
9 - Top-of-the-Line Elite-Level Tool (Bedard's shot or McDavid's skating)
(note: we try to balance upside and likelihood of reaching it in our evaluations)

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[Albyc]

I wouldn’t mind my Penguins trading up to get him. We don’t have many true centers in our system, only Broz. It’s difficult to separate this core and what we’ve under Sullivan from the future. But I think Sullivan will want to get back to that speedy, forechecking system we saw with USA. For example, I think a McGroarty-McKinney duo on a second line would be fantastic. Although, I haven’t watched much McKinney admittedly

[tucksedo]

Would fit well with the flames don’t you think? Backlund replacement cause backs is getting old.

[matthewp]

Sounds like a player Rod Brind'Amour would absolutely love.