Ryan MacInnis
Position: C
Current Team: Kitchener Rangers, OHL
Date of Birth: February 14, 1996
Place of Birth: St.Louis, Missouri
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
From a personal standpoint, I’m really hopeful that this kid makes it as an NHLer. His father is former NHLer Al MacInnis, my favorite player growing up. Al was of course an All-Star defenseman, known for his booming slap shot. He’s also a fellow Maritimer.
The younger MacInnis is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps, but as a two-way center rather than a blueliner. MacInnis is defensively aware, but has some offensive pop. At the NHL level he may be more of a defensive, shutdown center, who can moonlight on the powerplay.
Scouting Reports
MacInnis has a tall, lanky build but has some good potential to add strength. His speed currently lacks burst but his skating does have some upside. He’s an instinctual player who uses solid positioning to remain in the offensive play and has a heavy shot but needs to work on his release and accuracy. – Elite Prospects
“He’s a responsible two-way center with a very good hockey IQ; he sees the ice and anticipates very well to generate scoring chances,” director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said. “He’s a good playmaker but just needs to work on his shot and shoot more often.” – Dan Marr, in a Mike Morreale article for NHL.com“He’s a very smart player. He’s able to distribute the puck very well. I think he’s going to be a good two-way centre. A guy who can put up points but also play in the last minute [of tight games].” – Kitchener Head Coach Troy Smith in an article for Buzzing the Net
A Good Fit in Columbus?
He reminds me of Boone Jenner, and we all know how well the Jennerator has performed as a Blue Jacket. MacInnis is also known for his hockey smarts, which we know Jarmo Kekalainen values more than anything else when evaluating young players. MacInnis won’t put up big points, but he’d be a reliable two-way player, useful on any NHL squad. No doubt MacInnis is well known to Jarmo and John Davidson from the latter duo’s days in St.Louis.
MacInnis in Action