Cole McKinney – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

by

Cole McKinney

2024-25 Team: USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Date of Birth: March 16, 2007
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Ht: 6 feet Wt: 198 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

On a United States Under-18 National Development team always loaded with players heading toward the NHL, Cole McKinney has stuck out as the team’s most consistent offensive force. It starts with his work on the forecheck, where he is relentless on the puck to turn a play from defensive to offensive. While he currently sits second on the team in goals, where his offensive game shines is with his playmaking abilities. Not only does McKinney have the skillset when it comes to his stickwork, but he also has the vision and IQ to find his teammates and can anticipate a play happening before his opponents more times than not. His shot does have bite to it when he gets a chance close to the net, but it does tend to fall off a bit when he tries to fire from long range. Working further and developing his long-range shot will be key for the University of Michigan commit.

In transition, McKinney tends to be more of a straight-line skater and sometimes lacks explosiveness with the puck, making him predictable when coming through the neutral zone. Working on his skating and explosiveness could help take his game to another level.

Cole McKinney Team USA
Cole McKinney, Team USA (Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP)

Offense is not the only thing McKinney brings to the table, as he is one of the soundest defensive forwards on his team. His vision and IQ translate well to his own end of the ice, allowing him to anticipate plays before they happen. This helps him get into passing lanes and break up open spots in the ice for his opponents, further shutting down opportunities. His defensive skills have also made him one of the better penalty killers this season for the USNTDP U18 team.

Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

The offensive upside and all-around two-way game McKinney plays, coupled with being an ice-time machine and strong faceoff taker, should help him garner the attention of an NHL team early on in this year’s draft. Working on his shot, explosiveness, and pace of play with the puck on his stick could make whatever team drafts him very happy in the future.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Cole McKinney – NHL Draft Projection

With McKinney’s skillset, being a late-first—to early-second-round pick is not out of the realm of possibility if an NHL team feels he can develop his shot and skating abilities.

Quotables

“McKinney is a mid-sized, two-way center who can play on the penalty kill, block shots and win a ton of faceoffs. He’s not going to be a playdriver in the NHL, but he’s detail-oriented and exceptionally smart.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“McKinney is a dynamic offensive player that has shown off all sorts of tools. His skating stride is a bit choppy and short, but he still has great speed that allows him to make moves at his top speed. He’s able to beat defenders one on one, and has really good zone entry numbers that ultimately lead to more scoring chances. At times I feel that McKinney sees the game at a level that is so advanced from his teammates, that plays actually die on their stick. As McKinney advances his career and plays with stronger players, I actually expect his game to take off.” – Ben Jordan, Smaht Scouting

“McKinney is a two-way center who is comfortable playing in all situations. He is a strong skater, despite not being the fastest, with a wide base that makes it hard to knock him off the puck. His strong edgework allows him to change direction quickly. McKinney plays with a lot of intensity, forechecking hard and never shying away from contact or battles. His vision is particularly impressive.” – Jacob Roth, Future Considerations

Strengths

  • Two-way game
  • Playmaking abilities
  • Has the strength to play physically when it is needed
  • Strong forechecker
  • Strong in the faceoff dot
  • Can play in any situation

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

  • As the season has progressed, his skating and explosiveness have improved, but there is still room for improvement.
  • His pace of play with the puck is sometimes lacking
  • Offensive play along the boards
  • Shot from distance could be developed and worked upon.

NHL Potential

McKinney’s overall game likely helps him translate to a mid-to-bottom six role in the NHL with further development. His work ethic, energy, and faceoff skills could lead him to become a penalty kill specialist and a player an NHL team looks to for secondary production.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 6/10 Defense: 8/10

Awards/Achievements

  • 2025 CHL/ USA Top Prospects Challenge
  • 2025 All-American Game

Cole McKinney Stats

Videos

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