San Jose Sharks second-round draft pick Cole McKinney could become the steal of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Sharks drafted McKinney with their second pick of the 2nd round on Saturday. The centerman is slated to attend Michigan University in 25-26 and could be a game-breaker for his new team.
In 60 games with the USNTDP, McKinney had 27 goals and 34 assists. During his interview with the media, the new Sharks forward prospect shared with reporters what his playing style is like.
“I’d say [I’m] kind of a Swiss army knife. I think I can do a bit of everything and do it very well,” McKinney said. “I’m a player that can play in all situations and contribute on both ends of the ice.”
One thing was made clear in his introduction to the San Jose Sharks media: he’s a competitor. McKinney told reporters that he added nearly 30 pounds of muscle over the past two to three years with off-season training.
Sharks GM Mike Grier has been seeking to add players who will make his team competitive. McKinney was ranked as a potential late first-round pick to an early second-round pick. San Jose got great value at No. 53.
“Consistency. Strength. Face-off. Power. Maybe not necessarily comes in terms of being a highly touted offensive guy, but you know, we really liked the consistency of the player. He got better as the year went on,” Sharks Director of Amateur Scouting Chris Morehouse said about McKinney.
Sharks might’ve gotten a perfect impact depth center
The San Jose Sharks are getting a high-IQ center who takes a lot of pride in the defensive zone.
“That’s something I take a lot of pride in. I think for me, I try to find a way to help my team in any way I can,” McKinney said. “Whether that’s penalty kill, power play, four on four, five on five, whatever. I think that’s something I take a lot of pride in and something that I enjoy doing.”
Like Morehouse, McKinney emphasized what he does best: compete consistently. This Sharks prospect might not knock your socks off offensively, but a player like him will be needed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
McKinney, a Chicago native, told reporters that his favorite player growing up was Patrick Kane. San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith shares the same idol as McKinney.
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