Reid McNeill
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Birthday:
1992-04-29 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2010 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2010 |
Height:
6-4 |
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Acquired:
6th round (170th overall), 2010 |
Weight:
204 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2008-09: Reid McNeill skated in 16 games for the Lambeth Lancers Junior D hockey club and had 4 assists with 12 PMs.
2009-10: In his first season of OHL play, McNeill managed 2 goals, 3 assists, a plus-11, and 32 penalty minutes in 53 games, playing primarily as a bottom-six shutdown defenseman. In 20 games with the Junior B London Nationals he had 7 assists with 6 PMs. McNeil was ranked 170th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings and was selected by the Penguins in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft.
2010-11: McNeill saw elevated playing time in his second season with London and while his numbers, 2 goals and 4 assists in 62 games, weren't much of an improvement, many other parts of his game, particularly the physical side, were much improved. At the end of the season, he was traded to the Barrie Colts where he will take on a greater offensive role.
2011-12: McNeill added an offensive component to his game in his third OHL season playing for Barrie. He scored 3 goals with 9 assists and was plus-nine with 60 penalty minutes in 51 games – missing time at the beginning of the year due to a concussion and also suffering a wrist injury that sidelined him most of February. Barrie finished second in the Central Division and reached the second round in the playoffs. McNeill was plus-one in 13 playoff games with no points and 22 penalty minutes. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh in May, 2012.
Talent Analysis
Reid McNeill is a mobile, shutdown defenseman who is capable of jumping into the offensive zone if need be. Though he will never be a big point producer, McNeill possesses soft enough hands to make a crisp, accurate first pass as well as cradle the puck. He also possesses good reach and anticipation. His skating is above average, particularly backward and laterally, and he plays a smart positional game with solid gap control.
Future
McNeill will play the 2012-13 season in the AHL where he will compete on a crowded blue line for ice time.
