Cole McWard

January 2025 – McWard’s second season with Abbotsford has been impressive to this point. In 20 fewer games, McWard has 15 points compared to 17 a year ago. He’s also featured a strong defensive skillset. McWard’s comfort level in professional hockey has grown from last year, and with Vancouver’s defensive core facing a lot of questions, McWard may get another crack at the NHL later in the year. For now, Abbotsford is relying on him to continue playing well amid their hot stretch. Nick Orr

May 2023 – The Canucks inked McWard to a two-year entry-level contract in April. McWard, 21, just completed his sophomore season at The Ohio State University, where he had an impressive performance with 21 points in 39 games. He led the Buckeyes’ defensemen in goals and ranked second in assists and points. Throughout his college career, the Missouri native has accumulated 37 points and 10 penalty minutes. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 192 pounds, he brings size and offensive production to the blue line. Suiting up in five games at the tail end of the Canucks 2022-23 season, McWard has already contributed his first NHL goal. While there is intrigue, he likely caps out as a bottom-pairing depth piece for deeper fantasy leagues. Dave Hall