It’s that time of the year for The Win Column’s NHL draft rankings and draft profiles! Using our very own consolidated rankings, we will be taking a look at the top 50 prospects for this year’s draft. The 2025 NHL Draft will take place on June 27 and 28 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Up next, we’re taking a look at American centre Cole McKinney, who spent this season with the United States National Development Team (USNDT). The 18-year-old has an NHL-ready frame and has impressed scouts with his versatility and two-way game.

Who is Cole McKinney?

Player Position Handedness Height Weight Cole McKinneyCentre Right 6’0”201 lbs

McKinney’s on-ice production

YearLeague TeamGPGAP2021-22HPHL 14U Chicago Mission 14U AAA20922312022-23HPHL 15U Chicago Mission 15U AAA151221332023-24NTDP U.S National
U17 Team44121931USHL USNTDP Juniors 346511NTDPU.S National U18 Team 11101WHC-17USA U1770222024-25USHLUSNTDP Juniors 23151126NTDPU.S National U18 Team 60273461WJC-18USA U18 7325

The USNDT is known for developing a boatload of talent, which contributes to its prestigious reputation. Unsurprisingly, McKinney is just another player who has benefited from this development path. In 60 games with the NTDP’s U18 team this season, McKinney was a point-per-game player, establishing himself as a notable NHL prospect who is capable of immense growth.

McKinney is projected to be drafted in the early second round. However, given his position as a centre and the draft’s unpredictability, McKinney could be a riser if scouts are confident in his growth and skill set. For the 2025-26 season, McKinney will be entering the NCAA, committing himself to the University of Michigan.

McKinney’s strengths

One of McKinney’s best attributes is his two-way game. Having a strong balance between offence and defence is a huge plus for a forward, especially as a centre. It’s why McKinney is so trusted with his coaches when it comes to playing on units such as the penalty kill. You’ll often see McKinney have an active stick, reading the puck carefully and being defensively responsible.

Regarding the offensive side of his game, McKinney excels at playmaking, which contributes to high-danger scoring chances. Additionally, he is also strong in the face-off circle, which enables him to win key draws and allows a greater amount of puck possession for his team. His high hockey IQ and strong vision allow him to find teammates in open areas of the ice, using his impressive stickwork to weave the puck through defenders.

Finally, there’s his strong forecheck. McKinney is a workhorse when it comes to forcing giveaways and turnovers while forechecking. He often isn’t afraid to get in the way of the puck as a means to pressure the opposition, tracking and breaking up plays well.

McKinney’s areas of improvement

A critique of McKinney’s game has been his hesitance in increased physicality. McKinney has an NHL frame; however, he isn’t as physical as some scouts would like him to be. As a result, he’s encouraged to be a more physical centre presence on the ice as his build allows him to.

McKinney has also been encouraged to work on being a greater offensive threat. He’s often criticized for opting to pass the puck instead of shooting it in certain scenarios. He also isn’t a major threat while he’s on the rush. McKinney can broaden his offensive strategies if he works on his shot volume and being more engaged in finishing high danger scoring chances.

Finally, McKinney’s skating strides have been seen to be quite choppy and short, but the speed is still there. Continuing to work on his skating strides and smooth transitions will benefit him as he makes the eventual leap into pro hockey.

Fit with the Flames

McKinney would be an intriguing option for the Flames, but I’m not sure if the upside is there. While he is a right-shot centre, the Flames may look to other centres with higher ceilings. With that being said, we know the Flames love their big players, and McKinney does fit this mold. Assuming he works on utilizing his size better at the pro level, he could wind up being on the Flames’ radar. The Flames would need to draft wisely, as they only have one second-round selection this draft, courtesy of the Colorado Avalanche.

Summary

McKinney will likely be chosen in the second round, and the upside is there. Additionally, he possesses a strong frame and bright hockey IQ. Best case scenario is that he winds up being a second-line centre. His development path won’t be straightforward, but with the right situation, McKinney could blossom into an effective NHLer someday.

Going to college will help his development quite a bit, and since he plays a coveted position, there’s no doubt that whatever team drafts him will want to get the most out of the young centre.

Risk: 2/5

Reward: 4/5

NHL projection: Strong two-way middle-six centre

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