McKegg signed a one-year contract with the Bruins after the Rangers let him and his nine points in 53 games walk this offseason. A textbook journeyman, McKegg will provide the Bruins with forward depth this season, potentially in a role on the taxi squad, but his NHL contributions are likely to be limited. He's rarely been much more than a modestly physical fourth-liner when he does draw into the lineup. McKegg is unlikely to reach double-digits in points in 2020-21, and his two-way contract makes it likely that he'll see a majority of his time with AHL Providence.
McKegg, having played for four other NHL teams over the past five season (Penguins, Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs), is already approaching journeyman status despite having just 91 games of NHL experience under his belt. The 26-year-old McKegg spent most of last season split between the Penguins' and Hurricanes' AHL affiliates (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Charlotte, respectively), where he recorded a combined 35 points in 47 games. He is expected to spend most of the upcoming campaign back in the AHL after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Canes in July.
McKegg has played mainly in the minors since entering pro hockey in 2013. With the departure of veteran Matt Cullen, McKegg may have a chance to hop onto Pittsburgh's fourth line. Either way, don't expect much of a fantasy contribution outside of hits.
McKegg spent the previous five seasons in the Toronto system, earning a three-game stint with the big club in 2014-15 while contributing 22 goals and 15 assists in 62 games for AHL Toronto. The 23-year-old was traded to the Panthers in July, and may have a chance to log even more time in the NHL this season, though he’ll have to supplant fourth-line center Derek MacKenzie at some point. Whether or not he cracks the active roster out of camp, McKegg is close to becoming a full-time NHL player, whether it's at the start of the season or later this year.
McKegg can score, and score he did after a trade from the bottom-dwelling Erie Otters to the Memorial Cup-bound London Knights. But don't be fooled by those 19 goals and 22 helpers in just 30 games post-trade. He's good, but he's not great. McKegg has second-line upside, but that's a long way away; he'll need the right wingers to excel. Keeper leaguers should watch and wait to see how he develops -- we'd like to see him learn how to carry a bad team rather than exploit an opportunity while surrounded by greatness before we commit.
McKegg has gone from being a third-round pick to one of the best players in the OHL in just two short years. And his invite to the Team Canada Junior Evaluation Camp this past summer sets him among the elite in his age group. He plays well in all three zones, can clearly snipe (49 goals last season) and his skating is no longer an issue. And he's finally starting to fulfill the potential that saw him picked ahead of guys like Jeff Skinner, Eric Gudbranson and even Tyler Seguin in the 2008 OHL Priority Draft. Keeper leaguers with long horizons should take a long, hard look at this guy -- he may end up the steal of the 2010 draft. Just don't expect him in a Leafs uniform for three or more seasons.
This guy came out of nowhere in 2009-10, potting 37 goals and 48 assists after delivering just 18 points the season before and earning the most-improved player nod in a poll of OHL's western conference coaches. He's a great face-off man and his hockey IQ is top-notch, and he could just be one of the top-five steals in the entire draft. He actually has the potential to be a top-line center if his development continues its explosive pace. Take note of his name and be ready to make your move in a couple years.
