Player Profile

Name: Charlie McAvoy

Position: Defenseman

Born: December 21st, 1997 -- Long Beach, NY

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 211 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Kyle's Analysis

I'm a big fan of McAvoy. I happen to think he may be one of the best puck-moving blue liners available in the first round. He had an impressive freshman season with Boston University after being a mainstay with the US National Development Program. McAvoy's skating is almost effortless through all three zones, but what I really enjoy about him is how quick of a release he has with outlet passes.

What's great about McAvoy is that he is developing with a great program at Boston University, who's coached by David Quinn, who has coached at practically every level outside of the NHL. Touted as a possession-type defender, don't let McAvoy's offensive flare distract you from his strong defensive play. With a big 211-pound frame, the Long Beach native is more than able to get physical without compromising his positioning, or defensive assignments. McAvoy reminds me a lot of a Kevin Shattenkirk, or Tyson Barrie like defenseman. Mobile, strong, responsible. Jeff Cox of SB Nation's very own College Hockey blog did a great spotlight for McAvoy back in October:

Charlie McAvoy is no stranger to the spotlight. The US National Team Development Program product has seemingly thrived under the pressure of performing on the game's biggest stage. The Boston University freshman didn't take long to make a positive impression in his first game action of his draft eligible season. McAvoy effortlessly entered the zone, skating down the right boards and all the way around the net. Showing tremendous poise, he patiently waited before finding a wide open teammate for the game-winning goal with 1:50 left in regulation in the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game last month. Cox continues...

Rankings

NHL CSS: 6 (NA Skaters)

McKeen's: 11

Future Considerations: 15

ISS: 23

Charlie McAvoy is projected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round. The odds of him landing available at 16th overall seem likely.

Bottom Line

The kid is a stud, and he's developing with one of the best college hockey programs in the country. I don't think that he's quite NHL caliber yet, so a couple more years with BU could do him well. The way I look at it, McAvoy could be a real promising top-four defenseman at the NHL level one day. He could work in all situations, whether it be killing penalties, QB-ing a power play, or playing at 5v5.

His ceiling could certainly get higher, but he'll need more time to determine that. All-in-all, Charlie McAvoy is a highly-gifted athlete who could be a very serviceable blue line anchor in the foreseeable future.

Highlights

YouTube credit: The Draft Analyst