Cole McWard has signed a new contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Need an I don't know option

6'1 205lbs RHD out of Ohio State. Excellent free prospect.

“The Vancouver Canucks tapped into the college free agent market once again after landing two of the bigger fish in Akito Hirose and Max Sasson. Cole McWard was an under-the-radar free agent because he just completed his second NCAA season. I did not list him on a top free agent list more because I didn't anticipate he'd be leaving school yet. But I'd have to imagine his excellent performance in the college hockey postseason accelerated the interest in McWard's services.

The 21-year-old had a strong USHL career before becoming a Buckeye and really came into his own this season, playing major minutes for Ohio State. He finished the season with a career-best nine goals and 21 points. Four of his nine goals came over the last 10 games of the season as the Buckeyes were battling for postseason positioning, while two of those came in their rout of Harvard in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

A right-shot defenseman with true two-way capabilities, McWard makes smart passes without much flair. He is decisive with the puck on his stick and puts some zip on it when he finds the right option. He can shoot it a little bit and was quite the goal scoring blueliner in his final USHL season when he put up 14 goals for the Tri-City Storm. McWard's offensive game may not translate as much to the NHL level, but his ability to defend does. He can take care of the middle of the ice and plays sturdy defense. His footwork is solid and he keeps relatively good gaps on the rush. I thought he probably could have used another year to get that offensive game honed in, especially int he absence of Ohio State's Mason Lohrei, who was drafted and signed by the Boston Bruins. That said, it's hard to look a bona fide NHL deal in the face and turn it down.

Relative to the kinds of players that typically sign as college free agents, I think McWard has a little more upside and has an NHL toolkit. He probably tops out as a depth defenseman, but I think the Canucks were wise to get aggressive on this particular player and see what they can get out of him within their development system.”


Sounds like a solid pickup.

Happy to take a free 21 year old RHD

A free RHD! It's a win. My only concern is the number of contracts the Canucks have, but they still have three open slots left. At worst, they will provide competition for other players at training camp over the next two years. Most likely, they will play in Abbotsford the next two years while they try to earn another contract.

He could be a very good pickup, moves well and comes with zero cost. Could be the best FA from college this year.