Courtesy of ISS Hockey
In preparation of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, our friends at International Scouting Services (ISS) have agreed to supply our readers with answers to 5 Burning Questions about the projected Top 6 of the draft. For more information on all of the top prospects, you can purchase their 2013 Draft Guide.
Leading off our six-part series is Nathan MacKinnon. Fresh off a Memorial Cup victory with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Canadian Hockey League, Nathan MacKinnon recently supplanted Seth Jones in the ISS Top 30. MacKinnon is ready to make an immediate impact in the NHL as Dennis MacInnis of ISS alludes to below.
Penalty Box Radio: Briefly describe what makes his skill-set unique from others in the draft.
Dennis MacInnis: Tremendous skater with lightning quick acceleration, great play-making instincts and a nose for the net.
PBR: What three teams that did not make the playoffs could benefit most from him and why?
DM: Florida – Gives them a very strong one-two punch up front and an exciting core impact player to go with [Jonathan] Huberdeau
Calgary – They desperately need a player to build a new identity around and who better than MacKinnon in this draft
Columbus – Fits their hard-working mould and adds that high level of offensive skill that would mesh with their stars.
PBR: What current NHL player would this player be similar to once he reaches his prime?
DM: John Tavares
PBR: What ability does this player have that would strike fear in to opponents?
DM: Ability to skate faster than everyone else without seemingly taking a stride
PBR: Can you see him playing immediately in the 2013-2014 NHL season?
DM: Only with Florida, Tampa Bay, Calgary or Columbus
For more information and to download their draft guide, please visit www.isshockey.com. You can also follow them on Twitter: @ISSHockey.
