London Knights Forward Max McCue Signs NHL Entry Level Deal with Columbus Blue Jackets

Gritty agitator Max McCue has signed a three year entry level contract with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.

London Knights forward Max McCue has signed a three year entry level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 2003-born forward has 50 points through 52 games with London this season, along with 92 penalty minutes.

Max McCue was originally drafted in 2021 by the San Jose Sharks in the 5th round, but he was never signed. Columbus has jumped right on him, and they have locked him up with an entry level contract.

The overager has been playing in London's middle-six all season long. His aggressiveness and grit will be the first things that stand out when watching McCue play. He constantly gets into the heads of his opponents and generates momentum for his team with hits and post-whistle scrums.

Away from his physicality, McCue provides a consistent scoring punch at the major junior level. He has 24 goals this season with London, a much higher pace than he was on last season. He has the fundamentals and tools to produce secondary offence at the next level.

With Columbus, I see McCue as a future bottom-six forward. He has that grit and agitated-nature that has become so valuable in today's game, but he can also provide some secondary scoring. He will likely play in the AHL/ECHL for a couple of seasons at least, but I see him being dominant at both of those levels. 

London was the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the OHL this season, and McCue will have the opportunity to win his first OHL Championship in his overage season with them in the postseason. Potentially a Memorial Cup run too.