Patrick McNeill--Underrated? Possible 1st rounder?

[Genghis Keon]

How come Patrick McNeill doesn't get much hype for next year's draft? As a defenseman, he's leading his team in scoring at almost a point per game clip (GP-13 G-1 A-10 PTS-11), and he's a +6 (next highest is +1) on a team that has allowed almost 20 more goals than they've scored (GP-13 GF-29 GA-48). He's not that big, especially for a defenseman, but he's pretty solidly built at a listed 6'0 195 (about Hamhuis' size and just an inch shorter than Suter, but 10lbs heavier than Suter's drafted weight). He was also the top pick in the OHL draft two years ago, so it's not like he has come out of nowhere. So why don't we hear more about him? Has anyone seen him play?

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[Juan]

How come Patrick McNeill doesn't get much hype for next year's draft? As a defenseman, he's leading his team in scoring at almost a point per game clip (GP-13 G-1 A-10 PTS-11), and he's a +6 (next highest is +1) on a team that has allowed almost 20 more goals than they've scored (GP-13 GF-29 GA-48). He's not that big, especially for a defenseman, but he's pretty solidly built at a listed 6'0 195 (about Hamhuis' size and just an inch shorter than Suter, but 10lbs heavier than Suter's drafted weight). He was also the top pick in the OHL draft two years ago, so it's not like he has come out of nowhere. So why don't we hear more about him? Has anyone seen him play?

He is closer to 5'10"-5'11", and he doesn't really play with any kind of edge or mean streak. Andre Benoit is not an unreasonable comparison.

And don't read too much into him being the #1 pick in the OHL draft. He was no better than Saginaw's 4th choice, but Ryan, Cogliano and Spade didn't want to report. If they had, it is doubtful than any other team picking in the top 10, with the possible exception of Kingston, would have taken him with their 1st round pick rather than the guy they ended up taking.

 

[Postman]

I posted this on the OHL board, but didn't get a response. How has Steve Spade looked so far?

 

[VOB]

McNeil is miles ahead of Spade. Don't be shocked when the CSB ranking come out and finds McNeil ranked in the 1st round. His size, while not great, is not a detriment (6' 195Ibs officially weighed by NHL CSB). He is a very heady player with excellent on ice vision, superb passing abilities and a very fluid skater, often leading the rush. He is on both the PP and PK and does not shy away from the physical dimension of the game.

I suspect you will be hearing alot more about him.