Background
McCarthy has played a large-minute role for Muskegon this season when healthy. He did the same for USA's Hlinka Gretzky team too. He missed a portion of the season due to a fractured knee suffered at the World Jr. A Challenge. The younger brother of Devils' draft pick Case McCarthy is committed to Boston University.
Analysis
McCarthy's toolkit is one that should do well in the pro game. He's got good size, he's a right shot, he skates well, and he's showing a lot of offense this season in the USHL. I don't think he's a natural puck-mover, but McCarthy has good skill and can make the occasional tough offensive play. His skating allows him to transport pucks up ice. Defensively he's solid. He can run around a little bit, but he's quite physical, and his skating lets him close on plays well. I think he will play a regular role on an NHL team even if it's on a third pairing.
EP had him at 70:
Some bits -
I can't imagine the feeling of being drafted by your childhood team. Must feel so surreal for him.
Who was the last one to get drafted before this kid? Justin Bailey?They don't do it often. I'd also venture that they don't do it enough although the region doesn't push the same sort of talent as other locations in NY, let alone compared to regional development powers like Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
Costantini. The bigger question is whether he'll do enough to earn a contract.Who was the last one to get drafted before this kid? Justin Bailey?
14. Gavin McCarthy, D
6/2/2005 | 6-foot-2 | 165 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 86 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: McCarthy’s toolkit is one that should do well in the pro game. He’s got good size, he’s a right shot, he skates well, and he’s showing a lot of offense this season in the USHL. I don’t think he’s a natural puck-mover, but McCarthy has good skill and can make the occasional tough offensive play. His skating allows him to transport pucks up ice. Defensively he’s solid. He can run around a little bit, but he’s quite physical, and his skating lets him close on plays well. I think he will play a regular role on an NHL team even if it’s on a third pairing.