There isn't much that gets by defenseman John MacLeod. The US National Team Development Program product is a big, strong, tough, mean stay-at-home defenseman who opposing forwards will fear for years to come.

MacLeod, a Dracut, Mass. native, is a smart player with a high hockey IQ. He has a wealth of experience, including various international competitions at the junior level and will learn from one of the best in the business in Boston University head coach David Quinn.

MacLeod doesn't have the skating stride or the hands that will impress, but his hockey smarts combined with his physics strength and sound positioning allow him to be one of the best defensive prospects in the 2014 NHL Draft.

MacLeod is a motivated player with a high compete level who will continue to develop as his career progresses. He will likely spend two years at BU before possibly turning pro as he is a young '96 that just turned 18.

A lifelong Terrier fan, MacLeod played one season at Kimball Union Academy for current Brown assistant coach Mike Levine before joining the USNTDP. He also played split season midget hockey with the Cleveland Barons.

Quick Facts:

John MacLeod

Central Scouting Final Ranking: 44

Hometown: Dracut, Mass.

2013-14 Team: US National Team Development Program Under-18 Team

2014-15 Team: Boston University (NCAA)

Height/Weight: 6-2/200

Strengths: Heavy-hitting, physical blue liner who plays with a positive aggression, smart hockey player with very good fundamentals

Weakness: Skating ability isn't as solid as some of the other top-end defensemen in the draft

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