Los Angeles continues with their front office rearrangement, with newly hired General Manager Ken Holland working his way through the early phases of putting his own fingerprints on the organization. One of the first steps he’ll have to navigate is the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
In his introductory press conference, Holland’s laundry list of topics included needing to meet with the amateur scouting staff in and around the upcoming Draft Combine. While the future team identity hasn’t been communicated yet, President Luc Robitaille mentioned needing a killer instinct.
Taking that into consideration, we did some digging and found another suitor worth looking into.
Cole McKinney
Vitals
Date of Birth: March 16, 2007
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2024-25 Season
McKinney spent most of the 2024-25 season playing for the US National Team. In 60 games, he has 61 points (27 G, 34 A).
Bronzer
The native of Chicago had a little extra international experience this season, as he won the bronze medal for Team USA at the U-18 World Junior Championship.
Decisions, Decisions
McKinney was drafted in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the Ottawa 67’s. He has the option to play in the OHL next year. However, the gritty forward is currently committed to the University of Michigan.
A Leader (On the Scoresheet)
Even though he had multiple responsibilities, including playing on the penalty kill, McKinney led the entire national team in scoring. The points didn’t come as easily in the U-18 WJC, as he only gathered 5 points (3 G, 2 A).
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No. 50 by Smaht Scouting: “McKinney is a high-paced, puck-driving center whose game thrives on speed, creativity, and determination. His explosive stride and sharp crossovers make him a constant transition threat, and he often takes the initiative in pushing play up ice. McKinney plays with a daring edge—he’s willing to take on defensive pressure head-on, even skating into tight coverage to try and make something happen. While that risk can lead to turnovers, it also reflects his confidence and willingness to shoulder offensive responsibility.”
Ranked No. 26 by Future Considerations. Regional Scout Aaron Vickers wrote in this report: “McKinney is [a] talented two-way right shot center who brings plenty of value on both sides of the puck. He’s got good hands and vision, first and foremost, but can operate as both playmaker and finisher. He keeps his head up with the puck on his blade, allowing for a constant scanning of his options in-zone.”
Ranked No. 26 by Tony Ferrari’s Post Lottery Draft Ranking. “McKinney is a rock-solid, do-it-all center who plays hard and fast. McKinney won’t wow anyone with his skill or offensive prowess, but he always seems to find a way to end his shifts with something positive happening. He uses his speed to be a stout defender, rarely giving a poor effort. Fan bases can fall in love with McKinney as a complementary piece on the roster.”
See For Yourself
Video of McKinney versus Wisconsin in the NCAA:
Final Comments
Los Angeles’ newest figurehead, Ken Holland, alluded to in a recent interview on Kings of the Podcast that Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti will be running the draft. It will be an interesting scenario, as Yank has generally had specific direction from Blake and Lombardi during his tenure.
While the scouting staff will lead the charge in June, Holland did say one word he wants from his team is determination. Hence, McKinney should be in LA’s crosshairs.
While standing only 6-foot-0, the gritty forward plays with aggression and assertiveness. He will lead the forecheck and throw his weight around, a key skill in separating the opposition from the puck. His skating technique allows him to hit high end speed, even though some scouts remark that it’s unorthodox. He had defensive responsibilities put on him, particularly with the penalty kill, although defending is still a work in progress.
The weight at 198 pounds while only average height, and at an early age, suggests there might be some fitness issues. As he’s committed to University of Michigan, the young center will have an opportunity to use his campus’ weight room to build a physique suitable for his style of play.
Aside from fitness, the other question mark is his offensive skills. While he put up a lot of points, they were more results of effort and net-front presence. There are times he struggled with problem solving while holding onto the puck, which led to turnovers. He uses his body to protect the puck, as the reach and stickhandling abilities in tight aren’t consistent or effective enough to create more space.
Kings fans understandably adored this kind of player for years, and his name was Dustin Brown. A U.S. born, average-sized, two-way physical player who loved to battle in front of the net. Of course, expecting a career similar to Los Angeles’ first holder of the Stanley Cup isn’t fair or realistic. Yet, this would be a good idea to restore that determination to the Kings organization.
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