"McKinney brings a smart, well-rounded energy to the ice, which is exactly what you want in a young forward. First off, he's a high-IQ two-way center. He separates himself by forcing turnovers, working hard in puck battles and showing up in his own zone. EliteProspects called him a "two-way center" and "face-off specialist" who consistently makes the other team look sloppy."
"His offense this season was real. With 61 points in 60 U.S. NTDP games, 27 goals and 34 assists, he wasn't just scoring; he was doing it in multiple ways. And that's just the beginning! He added 26 more points in 23 USHL games. It's that kind of balanced production that shows he can do damage at both ends. The best part? He brings all that detail and focus to every game."
Cole McKinney is an 18-year-old center (6'0" , 201 lbs) drafted 53rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2025 and committed to the University of Michigan for 2025-26. He led the U.S. National Team Development Program in scoring with 61 points in 60 NTDP games (27 goals, 34 assists) and added 26 points in 23 USHL games. McKinney plays a high-IQ, two-way game, winning faceoffs, forcing turnovers, winning puck battles, and defending reliably. Scouts note his consistent engagement every shift and playmaking for teammates. Areas for improvement include skating speed, acceleration, and smoother pace against higher-level competition.
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