Calen McKay - Junior Review

[Kendrick 4,741]

Calen McKay

Position: Center

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 203 lbs

 

Born in Sweden, Calen McKay came over to the CHL two years ago at the age of 16 in the CHL Import Draft.
He was selected by the Drummondville Voltigeurs and would start his first game with the team when he was only 16 years old. The advantage of coming over young is that he would become accustomed to the North American ice a lot faster if he was over in North America instead of learning on the big ice and only coming over in the professional ranks.

 

Calen had a very productive career in the QMJHL, where he was able to put up a point per game. McKay's first season in the QMJHL he put up 34 points in 32 games played with Drummondville. His best game was a 5 point performance against the Quebec Remparts. His second season saw him produce 61 points in 63 games for the Voltigeurs before ultimately having to shut down because of Covid-19. McKay was leaned on heavily down the stretch because of his ability to stay healthy and his durable frame helped him stave off any big impactful injuries.

 

McKay is relatively fresh and young in his development still so the ceiling on him could be much higher than what we've seen. That being said, he does have some weaknesses that opponents were able to capitalize on. His long frame does make for some interesting lapses in the neutral zone as he isn't the most fleet of foot. Smaller, more agile players have used their skill and quickness to get around and limit his ability. McKay will use his size in the corners and along the boards to impose his will though. His greatest strength is his strength in itself because of the ability it allows him to control the puck and contain possession from his opponents. McKay did look like a men amongst boys on the ice but given his lateral capabilities he does need to work on his movement and agility. McKay's junior career was largely a success in the eyes of scouts as he was able to showcase his ability to perform but also like with every young player, they see things that professional coaches can work on. Basing his QMJHL career on his stats alone, McKay projects as a top six forward on a team looking to roll with a big centre that can consistently put up top tier second line numbers. Calen is not a franchise centre and not someone to solely build your prospects pool around. He does possess some very unique qualities and he showed that in junior.