Philip McRae
| Birthday: 1990-03-15 | Position: C |
| Eligible for draft: 2008 | Shoots: Left |
| Drafted: 2008 | Height: 6-2 |
| Acquired: 2nd round (33rd overall), 2008 | Weight: 200 lbs. |
Probability of Success
- D
History
After spending a year with the US NTDP during the 2005-06 season, Philip McRae was drafted in the first round of the 2006 OHL Priority Draft by the London Knights. McRae signed with the Knights and began his OHL career in the fall of 2006.
2006-07: Although McRae came to London highly-touted, his rookie season was not very successful. Limited ice time and the rawness of his game, as well as his poor skating, held McRae back last season. He managed only 10 points in 63 games and struggled defensively.
2007-08: McRae made great improvements on the ice over the last year, which showed in increased ice time and his playing statistics — he recorded 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 66 regular season games. He also contributed three goals and three assists in seven U-18 WJC games for the United States in that country's recent bronze medal appearance in Russia.
2008-09: Signed first pro contract with the Blues in March of 2009.
2009-10: Acquired in mid-season trade by Plymouth. McRae was the Whalers leading scorer in the playoffs – scoring goals in the first five playoff games and finishing with six goals and nine assists in nine playoff games. The Plymouth Whalers, fourth in the Western Division, were swept in the conference semifinals by the Spitfires. In the regular season, McRae had 14 points in 19 games with Plymouth, and 37 points in 33 games with London. McRae was a member of the gold medal-winning USA squad at the World Junior Championships.
Son of former NHLer Basil McRae.
2010-11: McRae made his NHL debut with the Blues in January 2011 and saw limited action in 15 games with St. Louis while shuffling between the Blues and their AHL affiliate Peoria. He scored the first goal of his career in a late January game against Calgary and finished the season with 1 goal and 2 assists with 2 PMs and a -10 plus/minus; averaging just over nine minutes of ice time. In 46 games with Peoria he scored 12 goals with 14 assists and was -3 with 23 PMs.
2011-12: McRae spent his second season in pro hockey with St. Louis' AHL affiliate Peoria after appearing in 15 games with the Blues the previous season. McRae got off to a fast start offensively and played in all situations, playing both winger and center, for the Rivermen. His 23 goals were tied for second on the team and he had 16 assists; finishing minus-10 with 26 penalty minutes. Peoria missed the AHL playoffs after finishing fourth in the Midwest Division.
2012-13: Injuries slowed McRae in his third pro season as he was limited to 45 games with Blues AHL affiliate Peoria. He scored 7 goals with 11 assists and was -11 with 19 penalty minutes. The Rivermen missed the AHL playoffs after finishing last in the Midwest Division. Tendered a qualifying offer by St. Louis in July 2013, McRae signed to play for Tappara in Finland's SM-Liiga in 2013-14.
Talent Analysis
McRae has the size and skills to possibly become a power forward. He plays a good two-way game but needs to shoot the puck more often and not force passes into bad spots. The versatile centerman can play all three forward positions and excels on the power play. The 22-year-old needs to play with more physicality and bring more game to game consistency to play at the NHL level. He projects as a potential top-nine forward with some offensive upside.
Future
McRae has yet to find his stride at the professional level. With his entry-level contract ending, McRae has decided to sign with Tappara of the SM-liiga. If he wishes to return to North America, McRae will need to greatly improve his offensive abilities and consistency in Europe.
