SCoC Draft Profiles: Allan McShane is a tireless two-way center

Analysis:

Allan McShane is a center with all the fire and determination of players several times larger than he is, which is a great sign.

McShane is a 5’11, 190 lb. center that just never quits on pretty much everything he does. His relentless nature of play has created a player that, in open space, is one of the more dangerous players in the entire OHL. But McShane is a humble lad, and will happily dish the puck with smooth, simple passes that open up opportunities for his linemates while on the rush, and move heaven and earth on the boards to get the puck back to keep plays alive.

McShane compliments this with a confident release and shot that can seriously befuddle goaltenders when he gets rolling, and rolling at even-strength is what he does best. But if need be, he will happily bring this same level of competitiveness and fire to backchecking, happily getting into the dirty areas to win pucks and getting it out of the defensive zone with regular

Now, where McShane stumbles is in his skating, and more importantly, his acceleration in skating. He’s a good skater, and his speed is also fairly strong. Where he needs improvement is in acceleration, needing at least a few extra strides or two to get up to a full skating stride. This is where coaching can be his best friend going forward as he can build consistency. Were it not for that, he’d likely be headed for a much higher draft projection.

As it stands, he’s currently set to go somewhere in the back half of the second round or early third. Drafting McShane nets you a strong two-way player who has little fear in physicality, brings a level of danger to every shift he’s part of, and a skillset that if honed could make him an absolute steal, with time and solid coaching being the difference maker for him.

Some have projected this youth to possibly be converted into a winger due to his competitiveness, and the Bruins definitely need help and depth at least on one side. Maybe he’s a guy Don could take a crack at?

Player Rankings:

47th by FutureConsiderations

50th by NHL Central Scouting among North American players

101st by HockeyProspect.com