McCarron struggles to keep pace in fast NHL
When the Canadiens drafted Mike McCarron in the first round in 2013, he checked off a lot of the boxes.
Size? He was an impressive physical specimen at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. There was some baby fat but, over the years, McCarron has worked diligently to shed some pounds while adding muscle. Last season, he played at a svelte 230 pounds.
Position? While the Canadiens have a policy of drafting the best player available, McCarron might have received the nod over other prospects because he was a right winger and that’s a position that has been tough to fill.
Leadership? McCarron was wrapping up his second season with the United States Development program and had served as the captain on U.S. teams playing in the world U-17 and U-18 championships.
Skills? The scouting reports commented on McCarron’s good hands in close quarters, a rare commodity in a player his size.
The one concern was his skating. When he got up a head of steam, McCarron could get up the ice with a decent top speed. The problem was his first step, and it has continued to be a problem throughout his career.
McCarron was headed to Western Michigan University but changed his plans after he was drafted. While the Canadiens insist they don’t influence a player’s decision on where to play, the team wasn’t unhappy with McCarron’s decision to join the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. The Knights are coached by Dale Hunter, who has an excellent track record for preparing players for the NHL.
McCarron added fighting to his resumé in London and also learned a new position. Hunter felt he was better suited to playing centre and that raised hopes that the Canadiens had found their elusive centre with size. Midway through his second junior season, he was traded to Oshawa and he had nine goals and nine assists in 21 playoff games as the Generals won the Memorial Cup.
Three years into his pro career, McCarron is still waiting to make his mark. He has played a total of 69 NHL games over three seasons and has scored two goals while adding six assists. He has shown a willingness to drop the gloves in defence of teammates but fighting has all but disappeared from the game.
Speed is the buzzword in today’s NHL and McCarron doesn’t have it.
He was on the Canadiens’ roster at the end of last season but that might have been his last chance to prove that he can play at the highest level.
McCarron will need a dynamite training camp to change the team’s perception of his future. Two weeks ago, McCarron and Kerby Rychel were the only two restricted free agents who remained unsigned. Rychel was traded last week. McCarron is still looking for a contract but you have to wonder whether his time in Montreal is drawing to an end.