F Cole McKinney - USNTDP, USHL (2025 Draft)

[UpsideHockey]

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profiles: Cole McKinney and Conrad Fondrk

Upside Hockey's NHL Draft profile series: American Edition Volume 3 & 4

upsidehockey.substack.com

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Having a big 4-Nations. Has 3+2=5 points in 3 games.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Was ranked 33rd amongst NA skaters by CS in the midterm rankings (one spot behind NDTP teammate Will Moore). How much will the Five Nations tournament boost his draft status?

Safe to assume he'll play for.the USA in the U18 WJC?

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Was ranked 33rd amongst NA skaters by CS in the midterm rankings (one spot behind NDTP teammate Will Moore). How much will the Five Nations tournament boost his draft status?

Safe to assume he'll play for.the USA in the U18 WJC?

I think he’s done enough to solidify his status. Scouts must love the raw tools of Moore, but on the ice, he hasn’t shown a whole lot.

I don’t think McKinney will be lights out offensively, but he is a really smart player with a very projectable pro-style game. I think he’s the best player on the NTDP for sure.

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

Was ranked 33rd amongst NA skaters by CS in the midterm rankings (one spot behind NDTP teammate Will Moore). How much will the Five Nations tournament boost his draft status?

Safe to assume he'll play for.the USA in the U18 WJC?

Deleted because of brain fart.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He’s a lock for the U18 Worlds. One of the first names on the roster.

Truly cannot fathom how anyone has him below Moore. Don’t know why this tournament would help his draft stock that much either. This has been him for two years at the NTDP. You’d like to think scouts aren’t first learning about a player in February of the draft year.

Had 1+1 today against Czechia, including the OT winner. Ended up with 4+2=6 points in 4 games.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

McKinney isn’t even a big scorer.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I have essentially no doubt he will play in the NHL, and probably stick in the NHL. Hard to see him not at least being a 4C with how responsible he is, but I think a 2C or 3C is definitely in play. The biggest impediment is his skating for his size. He seems maxed out physically. Has been the same height for a few years. Not that he's "small", but he's pretty much like bang average height. Yeah, he's well built, but still has an average frame with "C+" level skating.

He has some sneaky skill moments, but he's not really a driver. Doesn't have the passing or elite hands/skating needed for that. Could end up a complimentary offensive zone player who can chip in 30-60 points (wide range, I know), who excels on the defensive end. Think it'll come down mostly to if he can improve his skating. If he doesn't, he may just be a 3/4C hybrid. I like his game. Have always been a McKinney fan. Been the most consistent guy in this NTDP group. I think late first is fair, but I think it's 50/50 if he actually makes the first round or ends up early second.

 

[Nabrules]

I have essentially no doubt he will play in the NHL, and probably stick in the NHL. Hard to see him not at least being a 4C with how responsible he is, but I think a 2C or 3C is definitely in play. The biggest impediment is his skating for his size. He seems maxed out physically. Has been the same height for a few years. Not that he's "small", but he's pretty much like bang average height. Yeah, he's well built, but still has an average frame with "C+" level skating.

He has some sneaky skill moments, but he's not really a driver. Doesn't have the passing or elite hands/skating needed for that. Could end up a complimentary offensive zone player who can chip in 30-60 points (wide range, I know), who excels on the defensive end. Think it'll come down mostly to if he can improve his skating. If he doesn't, he may just be a 3/4C hybrid. I like his game. Have always been a McKinney fan. Been the most consistent guy in this NTDP group. I think late first is fair, but I think it's 50/50 if he actually makes the first round or ends up early second.

Was going to say the program has won 10 straight games and he seems to be the driver!

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

It seemed like it started while they were in Sweden for the Five Nations in early February. He had a great tournament there.

 

[Ryan Van Horne]

I have essentially no doubt he will play in the NHL, and probably stick in the NHL. Hard to see him not at least being a 4C with how responsible he is, but I think a 2C or 3C is definitely in play. The biggest impediment is his skating for his size. He seems maxed out physically. Has been the same height for a few years. Not that he's "small", but he's pretty much like bang average height. Yeah, he's well built, but still has an average frame with "C+" level skating.

He has some sneaky skill moments, but he's not really a driver. Doesn't have the passing or elite hands/skating needed for that. Could end up a complimentary offensive zone player who can chip in 30-60 points (wide range, I know), who excels on the defensive end. Think it'll come down mostly to if he can improve his skating. If he doesn't, he may just be a 3/4C hybrid. I like his game. Have always been a McKinney fan. Been the most consistent guy in this NTDP group. I think late first is fair, but I think it's 50/50 if he actually makes the first round or ends up early second.

Sturdy high floor. Kid will play for sure. I don't bet money on players making the NHL, but I might drop a bet on him. Does all the dirty work, takes faceoffs, kills penalties and will likely wear a letter. I hope he also gets a chance to develop his offensive game and doesn't get pigeon-holed as a checker.

 

[jtechkid]

Sturdy high floor. Kid will play for sure. I don't bet money on players making the NHL, but I might drop a bet on him. Does all the dirty work, takes faceoffs, kills penalties and will likely wear a letter. I hope he also gets a chance to develop his offensive game and doesn't get pigeon-holed as a checker.

In a weak draft in my view I think he will go late first round for exactly everything you said . I’d be shocked if he makes to the second round