Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The NHL Combine blew through town last week with over 100 prospects going through interviews with teams, and testing in front of strength and conditioning coaches.
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I told you about Buffalo native Quentin Musty on Saturday, who has the possibility of being the first player from the region taken in the first round of the NHL Draft since the Chicago Blackhawks took Pat Kane first overall in 2007.
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Another kid from Clarence Center who could go later in the draft is defenseman Gavin McCarthy.
The 18-year-old is neighbors with Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, and he enjoyed every minute of last week.
"It was great. I consider it an honor to be here, especially since I’m from here and this is my home rink. It was really cool to be out there," said McCarthy on Saturday at the NHL Combine.
It wasn’t hard for McCarthy to have his meeting with the Sabres since he knows Adams so well.
"Living in the same neighborhood as Kevyn Adams, I’ve known him since I was 10. So it was a really good interview," he said.
McCarthy is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds and will play at Boston University next season. Last year, he only got in 42 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) because of a knee injury. He said he has goals that he’s trying to achieve heading into college.
"One of my biggest focuses was trying to get bigger, fill out my frame," McCarthy said.
Gavin’s brother, Case, was taken by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round on the 2019 NHL Draft. He just wrapped up his fourth year of collegiate hockey with the Terriers. Gavin is gaining knowledge from his brother’s experiences.
"He went through the process, and he’s given me a ton of advice this year, and even coming into this week," McCarthy said. "I’m grateful to have that mentor to look up to and ask questions whenever I want."
Case McCarthy isn’t afraid to give his little brother advice.
"Just come in this week and be myself," Gavin said of what his brother told him. "Don’t try to be someone I’m not, and just be as truthful as I can. And don’t let the stress and pressure of the week get to you."
With both McCarthy and Musty being from Buffalo, they know each other well. McCarthy says they can go against each other, but still be friends and hang out off the ice.
"I’ve competed against Musty since I was 10, so I’ve gotten to know him on and off the ice, and battled against him in practice over the years," McCarthy said. "We’ve had our fair share of battles. He’s super talented and will go high in the draft for a reason."
Because of COVID, Case will get a fifth season at BU, and Gavin couldn’t be happier.
"It’s going to be amazing. I’m super excited to play with him," McCarthy said. "He’s my older brother, so it’s definitely going to be a different feel, but he’s a veteran guy in that locker room. I’m excited to work with him."
The 2023 NHL Draft is set for June 28-29 in Nashville.
