2015 NHL Draft Prospect: McKay Flanagan

McKay Flanagan

Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2014-15 Team: The Gunnery (High School - CT)
College Commitment: --
Hometown: Ridgefield, Conn.
Height/Weight: 6'0.25"/208
Date of Birth: 2/3/97
Final Central Scouting Ranking: 182

McKay Flanagan made the switch from the Eastern Hockey League to the prep circuit for his draft eligible season. Playing for one of the best prep teams in New England over the past five seasons, Flanagan had plenty of opportunities to shine in front of scouts.

He saw his stock drop in terms of Central Scouting Rankings from the midterm to final release, but there is still a possibility the Ridgefield, Conn. native will hear his name called on Saturday at the 2015 NHL Draft.

Flanagan is a stocky, athletic defenseman who plays a high risk, high reward style. He has a good frame and skillset that will serve him well as his game continues to grow, but he needs to reel it in and play more focused to truly take the next step in his development.

His stride isn't the prettiest, but he moves well and effectively with and without the puck. He can carry the puck and maintain possession in transition. He makes some end-to-end rushes that are exciting to watch and he gets a hard shot on net on the power play.

He's physically imposing and makes some bone-jarring hits, but he sometimes plays a little recklessly in the neutral zone and takes himself out of the play. If he can improve on his gap control and play more disciplined on a more consistent basis, he could become an intriguing prospect.

He's still a year or two away from entering the collegiate level and will likely be a prospect that an organization will let develop for three or four years before signing.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.