Ian McCoshen
Position: Defense
Birthdate: 08/05/1995 (20)
Acquired: 2nd round selection (#31 overall) 2013 NHL Entry Draft
2014-15 Team/League: Boston College Eagles (NCAA)
Stats:
| GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| 35 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 63 | 14 |
Nationality: American
Size: 6’3″; 218 lbs.
Contract Status: Unsigned
The Florida Panthers made McCoshen the first pick in the second round of the 2013 draft based on his three solid seasons of work with the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. The Hudson, MI native enrolled at Boston College where he has spent the last two seasons readying himself for the NHL.
From Hockey’s Future:
McCoshen has the type of size that NHL teams covet in a defender but doesn’t always put that size to good use. He has some offensive ability, including an above-average snapshot, that would be useful on any NHL power-play. McCoshen uses his long reach well and is generally sound in his own end but could stand to be a bit more physical with opposing forwards.
From Ben Ker at Lastwordonsports:
McCoshen has really developed his offensive game this season. He has a powerful slapshot, and has really improved at getting it through traffic and on net. His ability to keep it low and on target, generates opportunities for his teammates to create plays through screens, rebounds, and deflections. His stickhandling and skating with the puck have also improved and McCoshen looks more confident handling the puck and leading the rush. This has also translated into his playmaking ability, as he is more poised and confident. This leads to better passing both in the offensive zone and in starting the transition game with a crisp and accurate first pass. McCoshen could learn to walk the line a little better and keep his feet moving in the offensive zone in order to open up more passing and shooting lanes at times, but again this can come with better footwork and skating technique.
McCoshen’s style resembles that of a Francois Beauchemin. However this is a stylistic comparison and not one based on potential. In terms of ceiling, I believe that McCoshen can become an excellent second pairing defenceman and a contributor on special teams in his NHL career, provided that he develops properly. The skill is there, but this is a player who is a little raw, and will need some development time at the minor league level.
Last year as a sophomore, McCoshen continued to slowly round out his game, finishing with 16 points (6G/10A) in 35 games, a three-point increase over his total as a freshman. He posted a solid +14 rating and made a second straight appearance at the World Junior Championship on the blue line for Team USA. Scouts are still looking for him put up something resembling the numbers he did in his final season with Waterloo.
The stage is set for McCoshen to take a big step forward this season at Boston College. With fellow Panther prospect Mike Matheson now a pro and BC teammate Noah Hanifin likely to become a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, McCoshen should get top-pairing minutes for the Eagles and see plenty of time on the power play. McCoshen has a good shot and can move the puck, so look for his offensive numbers to get a healthy boost with the extra playing time. Blessed with NHL size, it would be nice if the defender, who is now an assistant captain, can start using it more often in his own end. This is a facet of his game that needs to be improved upon if he is going to become an effective NHLer. If all goes well, this could be McCoshen’s final season at the NCAA level and he could follow Matheson to the AHL come 2016-17.
Where We Voted for McCoshen
| Shane | Todd | JC | Kevin | Donny |
| 15 | 20 | 13 | 16 | 17 |
Who We Voted 15th
| Shane | Todd | JC | Kevin | Donny |
| Ian McCoshen | Connor Brickley | Connor Brickley | Jonathan Racine |
MacKenzie Weegar
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