Day 2 of the NHL draft continues, and the Sharks have the 53rd pick in the 2nd round, which was acquired for fan favorite Fabian Zetterlund at the trade deadline, and will complete the return on the Sharks' side of the deal.
With the 53rd pick, the Sharks selected Cole McKinney out of the NTDP. This completes the Zetterlund Return for the Sharks, receiving Zack Ostapchuk, Noah Gregor, and Cole McKinney.
Cole McKinney is a hard-working center who put up 61 points in 60 games for the NTDP and had 5 points in 7 games for the US at the U-18s
According to Elite Prospects, “Night in and night out, McKinney brings the same high-end attention to detail and determination. Forcing turnover after turnover, he never stops engaging opponents. He pushes them into support, to the walls, and traps them. With proactive physicality and a strong stick, he rips away possession from bigger opponents and puts his team right back on the attack.
McKinney fits the clear mold of the players the Sharks want to target down the middle. He may not be the biggest player at just 6”, but he is competitive, and despite the average height, he is currently at 200 pounds, which is good size for an 18-year-old. With some time, McKinney could be a good bottom-six piece for the Sharks, either down the middle or on the wing. McKinney is expected to head to Michigan next season, where he will continue his development going forward.
While trading Zetturlund was a big letdown to Sharks fans, the Sharks have added two very competitive players in the final deal. Ostapchuk and McKinney are competitors who play hard and fast and could be key depth for the Sharks in the playoffs down the line. Noah Gregor was not qualified and isn’t expected to remain with the Sharks.
The Sharks have one pick scheduled in the 3rd round at this time, acquired from Edmonton alongside Cody Ceci last offseason.