Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://www.cowichancapitals.com
- Name: Corbin McPherson
- Position: D
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-09-07
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Folsom, California
- Acquired: 3rd round (87th overall), 2007
- Playing In: NCAA
Corbin McPherson
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: McPherson played in 44 games for the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL, where he scored four goals and 10 assists to go along with 63 penalty minutes. A year older than most other draft eligible prospects, McPherson was not ranked by the Central Scouting Service or International Scouting Service, but the New Jersey Devils obviously like what they saw in him, and drafted McPherson in the third round of the 2007 NHL Draft.
2007-08: McPherson returned to Cowichan Valley for the 2007-08 season and marginally improved on his overall numbers across the board from his previous campaign. In 55 games, he recorded three goals and 14 assists, to go along with 84 PIM's. He committed to Colgate for the 2008-09 season, and instantly became the highest NHL draft player in the school's history.
2008-09: McPherson made a strong impression in his freshman season at Colgate, as the physical imposing blueliner suited up in all 37 games for the Red Raiders, recording five assists, 50 PIM's and an even plus/minus rating. Even though he was only a freshman, he played major minutes and saw significant action in all situations.
2009-10: Corbin continued to improve upon his first season with Colgate, appearing in 35 games as one of its top blue liners. Strides were made in the offensive side of the game, scoring his first two goals of his college career, and six assists to go with it. The rugged defenseman also saw an improvement in his discipline with only 20 PIM.
2010-11: McPherson's junior season was a microcosm of that of his Colgate team - the Raiders struggled for much of the year and at one point were 3-22-2. In early February they turned things around; making a highly-unexpected run to the ECAC semifinals. McPherson played in 41 of 42 games for the Raiders and had 4 goals with 6 assists with 36 PMs. His -18 plus/minus was indicative of the Raiders' early season struggles. He had just one point during the Raiders' stretch run but showed flashes of the defensive player the Devils think he can be.
Talent Analysis
McPherson has slowly started to evolve into a more well-rounded defenseman over the course of his collegiate career. A towering and imposing physical specimen, McPherson has above average skating and mobility for a guy his size. He has gradually starting jumping into the play more and is more involved offensively than when he first started at Colgate. He also continues to improve his positioning in his own end while using his sizeable frame and reach to keep the opposition at bay. There are still parts of McPherson's game defensive game that are developing but his reach and enormous wingspan provide advantages that you just can’t teach.
Future
McPherson has been progressing at a nice rate since being drafted in the third round by the Devils in 2007 and still has a lot of untapped potential waiting to blossom. He is somewhat similar to current Devils prospect Mark Fayne in terms of his long-term potential. He will return to Colgate for his senior season in 2011-12 before embarking on his pro career.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 28th 2011
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