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There are a healthy crop of Americans in this year's draft class. Though Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin garner the most headlines, there are plenty of other high quality players waiting in the first round. Like Brock Boeser and Thomas Novak before him, Colin White will look to take the next step in his development when he goes to the NCAA next season.
#29: Colin White - Center - United States National Under-18 Team (USHL)
2014-15 Stats: 54 GP, 23 G, 31A, 54 PIMs
White has already developed a championship pedigree before setting foot in the NHL. The Hanover, Massachusetts native scored the game winning goal for the Americans at the Under-18 World Junior Championship this past season. The next step for White will be Boston College in the NCAA.
White should be an instant improvement to the Coyotes' puck possession efforts, according to Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects:
A prolific scoring threat, Colin White is a strong 3-zone player with an eye for scoring chances. Thinks the game at a high level and always seeks to make an impact on the ice, with or without the puck. Never seems to be outbodied and is an exceptional skater. Puck-possession is definitely a strength. All-in-all, a skilled, 200-foot player that does all of the little things right and is able to make a large impact on the game and its outcome.
Like many of the options before him, White is not exactly large (6'0", 183 pounds), but he has the talent necessary to create scoring chances and sustained offensive zone pressure. The Arizona Coyotes will need depth at center, and White could easily provide that.
Unlike some of the other potential draft choices though, White has missed time with injuries over the past couple of seasons; he's had wrist problems and a bout of mononucleosis last season. Though the latter ailment is not likely to be a problem moving forward, the former ailment is something scouts should look out for when evaluating White's upside.
The Coyotes will have several different options to choose from when drafting late. Colin White is among the many American centers who could end up in Sedona Red on draft day.