Future Focus: Jack McBain
He may not be plying his trade in Major Junior, but there’s not a chance scouts missed out on Jack McBain this season.
McBain, who plays for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, is, after all, a prospect well worth focusing on when it comes to the 2018 NHL Draft.
“McBain is a strong powerful skater who has a good turn of speed and two step acceleration,” Future Considerations scout Chris Bowen said. “He combines his strong skating and stick handling skills often, using them to hold off opponents as he moves throughout the offensive zone.”
He’s been at it since his days in Midget.
McBain captained the Don Mills Flyers Minor Midget AAA team and put up 73 points in 2015-16. He scored 25 goals and added 48 assists in his 45 regular season games, then scored six points in four playoff games to finish off his season.
Last year, his first in the OJHL, McBain recorded 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points in 42 games, then followed it up with four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 11 playoff games.
This season, McBain improved his play even further, recording 21 goals 37 assists for 58 points in 48 games. He added six goals and nine points in four playoff games, too. He was named to the OJHL First All-Star Team for his efforts.
There’s been evident growth in his game, no doubt.
“McBain’s passing game is impressive, he is a firm and accurate passer of the puck who can find teammates open anywhere on the ice,” Bowen said.
His ranking suggests that.
McBain has consistently been ranked around the first round for the entire season.
WHAT’S NEXT?
McBain need not worry — he’s got the potential to hear his name called on the first day of the draft.
McBain is a forward with his size and playmaking ability has the potential to be a very good NHL player, likely of the top-six variety. He’ll be given plenty of time to get there, too. He is currently committed to Boston College, a premier program in the NCAA.
He will have to adjust to playing against higher competition in college, and whoever selects him won’t be rushing him out of school. He’ll be given plenty of time in the NCAA before making the jump to the professional level.