Zack MacEwen

Observations:

March 2020 – The Big Fella seems to have found a home in the NHL. At least that’s what Vancouver GM, Jim Benning is thinking. After bouncing up and down between the American and National leagues this past season, the 23-year-old became an effective bottom-six player to finish the Covid-19 shortened season. MacEwen is capable of chipping in a point here and there, but should bring nice hit and PIM totals. Cam Robinson

February 2019 – While it may have taken longer than many would’ve liked, Zack MacEwen has been recalled by the Vancouver Canucks and will suit up for his first NHL contest against the Sharks. A four-point evening earlier this week was the final push to convince management to make the call. The 22-year-old has been tremendous in the American League this season recording 17 goals and 42 points in 49 contests. MacEwen is a physical winger brings a hard-nosed style to the rink each night to go along with soft hands and clever awareness in the offensive end. A potential multi-category asset. He should add an exciting jolt to the Canucks’ bottom six. Cam Robinson

December 2018 – MacEwen has continued his stellar play that was built during the back-half of the 2017-18 campaign. The big man has greatly improved his skating stride over the last 18 months and is noticeably more confident with the puck on his stick. He’s a foundational member of the Utica Comets and is eyeing a recall to the big club. If he continues his high-level of play, he won’t have to wait long. Cam Robinson

April 2018 – The powerful winger has had a productive rookie season in the AHL. Expected to join the team as a depth option, MacEwen quickly rose up the lineup for the Comets and has accrued 10 goals and 32 points in 64 games. Unfortunately, he was also the recipient of a massive open-ice hit last week that has left him with a likely concussion. The 21-year-old plays a heavy, and abrasive game that should lend itself well to a bottom six NHL job down the line so hopefully the injury won’t keep him out long or affect his style of play moving forward. Cam Robinson

December 2017 – The 21-year-old power winger has adjusted well in his first year of professional hockey. The undrafted free-agent signee has two goals and 10 points in 20 AHL games from a mostly bottom six role. MacEwen plays a hard-nosed game and could become a bottom-six NHL player down the line if everything broke right. Cam Robinson

MacEwen is the true definition of a late bloomer. He played his rookie major junior season at the age of 19 and in his sophomore/overage season with the Gatineau Olympiques caught the attention of NHL teams and was signed by the Vancouver Canucks. MacEwen is a big body that makes an impact on the game and quickly stands out with his size, speed and ability to handle the puck. Producing over a point per game shows his offensive upside, his 83 penalty minutes show he is willing and able to play a physical game as well. MacEwen often plays the power play on the point as he has a heavy shot and has creative offensive vision and skill. He moves the puck quickly, uses his size and reach to protect the puck, finds open players well and gets up and down the ice quickly for a big man. His game should translate well to the pro level and he will need some more development time in the AHL for a year or two.  Peter Harling