Vancouver Canucks Prospects Showdown highlights Pettersson, Gaudette
By David Joun
5. Zack MacEwen is an intriguing mix of size and skill
As a 20-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent out of the QMJHL, forward Zack MacEwen has never been on the prospects radar for many Canucks fans. MacEwen had just signed an AHL contract this past season.
At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, many see MacEwen’s stature and think of him as a grit-first guy. He, however, showed on Thursday how he had 31 goals and 74 points in 66 games with the QMJHL Gatineau Olympiques and nine more points in seven playoff games.
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I am not saying that MacEwen is ready to dominate the AHL and challenge for a spot on the Canucks opening night roster. Quite far from it, actually. MacEwen is a project.
On Thursday, MacEwen explored some chemistry with Brock Boeser and was able to show his offensive assets. Aside from the cannon of a shot that his massive frame can produce, MacEwen also knows how to use his body to protect pucks.
While not physically crushing, he effectively smothered the opposition puck carrier with his size. His stick was active in a good way. He had good two-way instincts and would be a much better player if his skating improves. He worked very hard when he is on the ice.
Bottom line, MacEwen had moments of magic and promise. He has the tools to be an effective bottom-six NHL forward thanks to his size, shot and ability to check. If he can put all these things together and improve his mobility, it may not be long before Zack hits the NHL.
Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects sums it up the best:
"A hard-nosed power forward that doesn’t do any one thing to a particularly outstanding degree, but does the little things right. Lots of positive signs in his development and is starting to put the pieces together for a solid career."