2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #32 - Mason McDonald

Mason McDonald

Position: G
Current Team: Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL
Date of Birth: April 23, 1996
Place of Birth: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 185 lbs
Catches: Right

Mason McDonald is your classic big goalie. He relies on positioning and the ability to block, but he backs it up with athleticism. He started his junior career with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, but was traded to the Charlottetown Islanders midway through this past season. He'll have a terrific opportunity to lead an up-and-coming Islanders team, and may get the call to suit up for Team Canada again.

Scouting Reports

McDonald is a tall, lanky goaltender with natural coverage coupled with a strong posture between the pipes. For his size, has quick athleticism and reflexes but remains a goaltender that more often blocks pucks instead of saving pucks - Elite Prospects

Athletic and exceptionally quick, Charlottetown Islanders goaltender Mason McDonald is one of Canada’s brightest prospects between the pipes. He possesses ideal NHL size and some of the best lateral quickness setting him up perfectly to make save after save. McDonald has a sound understanding of goaltending technique and mental toughness but he is prone to wandering out of position occasionally. Coming off an outstanding showing at the Under-18 World Championships, McDonald picked up the Best Goaltender award after backstopping Canada to a bronze medal posting a stellar 1.94 GAA and .930 save percentage. - Brendan Ross, Dobber Prospects

A Good Fit in Columbus?

The Columbus system is well stocked with goaltending prospects, with Anton Forsberg, Oscar Dansk, Joonas Korpisalo and if signed, Martin Ouellette. There's a good chance that McDonald will be taken in the second-ish round, but if the Jackets can pick up an additional pick in the 31-60 range, he may be available. Otherwise the Jackets don't really need to use a first or second round pick on another goaltender.

If he does get picked up by the Jackets, he'll give the team depth with starter potential, especially with Dansk's meltdown late in the season.

McDonald in Action