Drafted By: Los Angeles Kings (50th overall)
Position: Defenseman
Final Central Scouting Ranking: No. 27 North American skater
Height/Weight: 6'1'', 186 lbs
DOB: January 20, 1996 (18 years old)
Most Recent Affiliation: OHL, Kingston Frontenacs
Background
Roland McKeown earned the reputation as a strong on-ice leader early on in his career. He captained the Toronto Marlboros minor midget team throughout the 2011-12 season and led the team's defenders in scoring with 35 points in 28 regular-season contests.
That performance caught the attention of the Kingston Frontenacs—the team used its second overall pick in the OHL priority draft to make McKeown a member of the squad in 2012. The selection proved to be a sound one for the Frontenacs, as McKeown was named to the OHL's All-Rookie team following an outstanding first year in the league.
Expectations were high for McKeown as he went into his draft year, and the Listowel, Ontario, native didn't disappoint. Plus-minus is a flawed stat, but it's never a bad thing to go from a minus-24 to a plus-38 in just one year. That's what McKeown accomplished, and he's now considered one of the top two-way defensemen available in the 2014 NHL draft.
Full Scouting Report
Smart, reliable two-way defenders aren't necessarily considered draft-day gold, but McKeown is a player who brings a noticeably complete skill set to the table despite his age. He spoke to Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com and described his own game this way:
I believe my game translates well at the next level. I think my skating, agility, IQ and strength to battle in the corners are all key comp...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
