Could Cole McKinney be the San Jose Sharks’ secret weapon for future success? This second-round pick from the 2025 NHL draft is turning heads with his two-way play and defensive prowess.
Dive into McKinney’s journey from Chicago to the US National Team Development Program, and his upcoming stint at the University of Michigan. Explore scouting reports that highlight his motor, finishing ability, and versatility on the ice. Uncover the analytics behind McKinney’s impressive goals per 60 and defensive metrics, painting a picture of a potential third-line center who could complement the Sharks’ top prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa.
Get an in-depth look at McKinney’s projected role with the Sharks, including his potential to become a key penalty killer and face-off specialist. Examine how his development at Michigan could fast-track his path to the NHL, and why he might be compared to players like Nico Sturm in the future.
Tune in to hear why McKinney might be the “safest player” from the Sharks’ 2025 draft class and how he could shape the team’s future defensive strategy.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-sharks/
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gametime
Today’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#NHL #Sharks #SanJoseSharks
6 Comments
What’s up with Filip? Out of code player? Is mck that much better as an overall player? Seems like it.
Getting McKinney with the Ottawa pick that came along with Ostapchuk makes losing Zetterlund easier to take. Zetterlund would have only held in the Sharks’ top-6 for another year or two, and isn’t an ideal bottom-6 winger. The Sharks have some good potential with more ideal bottom-6 forwards with McKinney/Ostapchuk plus guys like Wetsch and Svoboda. Roster building is a thing, and those guys are all quality 2nd and 3rd round picks.
The thing going against McKinney is his size. Sharks forward group is already likely to be among the smaller ones, albeit an exceptionally talented group. Top 4 (Misa, Eklund, Celebrini, Smith) are all 6'1" and under (3 are 6' or under). Seems like size is what works in today's NHL. Panthers had almost all their forwards 6'1"and above (Rodrigues and Marchand were the lone exceptions).
Teams can use smaller players, but in limited numbers. On the upside, he isn't the Bordeleau/Gushchim sort, which really requires top 6 minutes because they need to generate offense to make it work. McKinney doesn't need that. Sounds like he can grind effectively and that can fit on any line. I wouldn't rule out him on a line with say Misa and Chernyshov, for example, as right shot left wing. Every line needs that grind and that'd be line with decent size and physicality.
Yet another great episode by JD! Thank you sir, may we have another! lol
Agree with all your points with McKinney and sure hope you are correct about his timeline as I am excited to see him in some pro games but will be excited when he plays next season at Michigan since (like you stated) they have this tendency to produce good NHL centers.
Michigan was my top choice for McKinney because of what you said about the program. Definitely setting him up for success.
I know you already have planned put episodes weeks in advance, but I have a request. You do an awesome job of breaking down the prospects individually and during the draft with deep dives and prospects reviews before the drafts occurs.
Is it possible to do an episode covering the entire prospect pool? Would love to hear your thoughts on the overall prospects breaking down the pool by position. Where you see the various prospects potential and how that might make up a roster in the next say four or so seasons.
Like list the LDs and where you think each could end up and what that might look like in four seasons assuming they all hit where they are projected to. Just an ask, but I know you are already stressed to the max.
Just interested in hearing your prospective.
Ostapchuck, Bystedt, Svoboda, Lund and now McKinney. These 5 guys could all center in the bottom 6, it will be interesting to see who converts to wing and who is trade bait. At least it creates a healthy competitive environment.
Anyone else notice that JD is the only host for Locked On that adds in the sound effect during transitions? 😂