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Taken 19th overall in the 2016 OHL Priority Selections Draft, Allan McShane has outperformed many of the players taken ahead of him. Drafted by the Erie Otters, he was traded to Oshawa at the 2017 OHL trade deadline. In his rookie season, he scored 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 62 games. He struggled in the OHL playoffs though, with just one assist in 11 games. It was enough to land him on the OHL All-Rookie team. He also earned a spot on Team Canada Black for the 2016-17 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge and put up three goals and two assists in six games. McShane won a silver medal at the tournament.
This season, McShane scored 20 goals and added 45 assists for 65 points in 67 games. He also added three points in five playoff games. McShane was again selected to play for Team Canada, this time at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championships. He scored one goal and five assists in five games and was named as one of the top three players on the team.
Allan McShane Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Left
Born February 14th, 2000 — Collingwood, Ontario
Height 5’11” — Weight 190 lbs [180 cm / 86 kg]
Skating
The weakest part of McShane’s game is his skating. While his speed is slightly above average, his first few steps and acceleration need work. A lack of quickness and explosiveness are the culprits here. McShane is shifty, with good agility and edgework. He makes quick cuts and can weave his way through traffic. His subtle movements can shake defenders and get him open, or they can open up passing and shooting lanes. McShane also needs to add lower body strength. He can improve his balance, which will help him to be stronger on the puck, and to win battles along the boards. While he is very good at the junior level, he will need improvements before going to the next level.
Offensive Game
As seen in his statistics, McShane is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer. He is a smart player, very good at reading the play, anticipating which player will get open, and creating a scoring chance. He can make tape-to-tape passes through the smallest openings. McShane can also make effective saucer passes. On the power play, he quarterbacks things from the point, or from the half boards. McShane is not afraid to take a hit to make a play. He controls the puck well down low, and makes plays in the cycle.
While his strength is his playmaking, McShane also has a strong, accurate wrist shot with a quick release. He can score with it from the top of the slot. He also has the hands to pounce on rebounds and score in tight to the net. His slap shot and one-timer could use more power. McShane has a knack for getting open without the puck and for finding the soft spots in the defence. He works hard to win battles on the boards.
Defensive Game
McShane is a strong defensive player. Offensively, he plays the role of the high forward in the zone, and rarely gets caught deep, allowing him to support the defence with backpressure against the rush. He also works hard down low, helping to contain the cycle game. McShane is very good at cutting down passing lanes. He reads the play extremely well, creating turnovers and quickly transitioning them into offensive chances. McShane keeps himself between the puck and the net and is willing to put his body on the line to block shots. He is also good in the faceoff circle.
Projection and Comparison
McShane could develop into a second or third line centre at the NHL level. He is defensively responsible. He is the type of player that coaches will trust and continue to give opportunities to. The question here is how high his offensive upside can be. If McShane can be more explosive in his first few steps, he can really take his game to the next level. In terms of style, he is reminiscent of Max Domi, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not based on skill or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of McShane that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
ST CATHARINES, ON – OCTOBER 26: Allan McShane #61 of the Oshawa Generals skates during an OHL game against the Niagara IceDogs at the Meridian Centre on October 26, 2017, in St Catharines, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
