I disagree. Of course McAvoy was heavier (a good 35 pounds at draft time), but they are still only 1 inch apart. Some player fill out later, and I don't expect York to stay at 172.
Playing style is quite comparable in my humble opinion, York being a bit less physical. He can still lay some timely hits when he wants to, but it is not his game. McAvoy was more undisciplined.
They are not even close in playing style. McAvoy is not just a little bit more physical. He's way more physical. He's also far more aggressive at both ends of the ice. You won't see York pinching deep to smash an opposing D into the boards.
York does not use his body enough to front guys along the boards, he's passive in front of his own net, and he doesn't do a hard close, he stick checks guys. His physicality or lack thereof is one of his weaknesses. His play when the puck is deep in his own zone is poor.
McAvoy also has a way better shot, and is a multiple threat on the point: pass, shoot, backdoor, crash the net.
York's neutral zone play is why he's so highly valued. He defends it well and can skate through it easily. He has good vision/playmaking skills. But, he's a passive player physically and doesn't have a shot.
Gardiner is a far more apt comparison than McAvoy.
I wonder what
@TT1 thinks about all these York = McAvoy discussions. Pretty sure we had it in February.