Like we’ve done in the past, we’re profiling top prospects who may hear their names called in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
But this year, something new — we’re featuring special guest analysis from Ryan Kennedy, associate senior writer and prospect expert at The Hockey News.
Matthew Tkachuk (LW)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 200 pounds Shoots: Left
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Country: U.S.
NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 2 North American skater
Kennedy says: “Other than his explosiveness, there’s really nothing Tkachuk is missing right now. Skating can be worked on, but his natural gifts aren’t found in a lot of other players.
“The son of ex-NHLer Keith Tkachuk has size, smarts, a competitive mean streak and excellent hand-eye coordination that makes him a tip-in machine in front of the net. He scored the overtime winner at the Memorial Cup, and helped Team USA to bronze at the world juniors.
“If he doesn’t go straight to the NHL, he’ll be a buzzsaw – again – in the OHL. Though he’s not really fast, he is strong on his skates and wins battles.”
Related: Tkachuk pumps draft stock, says ‘people want winners’
Click here for all the 2016 NHL Draft profiles.