Nathan Mackinnon Scouting Profile

2013 is the biggest draft year since 2003. The top 15 players who will hear their name called on draft day will have a good shot at becoming impact players in the NHL for years to come. Leading that pack of 15 players is none other than Nathan Mackinnon.

Nathan Mackinnon

C-Halifax Mooseheads - QMJHL

5'11- 177 Pounds

Mackinnon is in his second year in the Quebec major junior hockey league after being drafted first overall by Baie-Comeau in last year's draft. Mackinnon is a dynamic   center who has all the tools to succeed at every level of play. Although he has a small frame, he plays big, using his physicality to knock down opponents and gain control of the puck. He has a dynamic vision and can see the play very well, paired with the amazing vision, he uses his powerful shot to get pucks past goalies in highlight reel fashion. 

Mackinnon was born in Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia and played his minor hockey there before going to play at the Shattuck-St.Marys School in Minnesota. After completing his high school at the prestigious  prep school he was drafted 1rst overall in the 2011 QMJHL draft by Baie-Comeau before being traded back to his hometown in Halifax. Because of his career path to date, Mackinnon is drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby. They both grew up in Cole Harbor, attended the same prep school and were both drafted 1rst overall in the QMJHL draft. However, hockey fans cannot get carried away with the similarities because in fact Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon are very different players. If Mackinnon had to be compared to a current NHLer it should be New York Islander's John Tavares. They both play a very complete game and have excellent vision, and have a quick step in their stride. Just like John Tavares, Mackinnon could see his name called out first next June. 

Mackinnon highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElyRgsiLH0s