The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed one of their restricted free agents, inking Zack MacEwen to a new two-year contract. The deal will carry an average annual value of $825K. Canucks GM Jim Benning released a short statement on the deal:
Zack is a physical two-way forward whose game complements our roster. He’s a talented young player with a high compete level and we’re excited to have him continue to develop his career as a member of the Vancouver Canucks.
MacEwen, 24, is a good example of what hard work and dedication can do for a player even if they are overlooked on draft day. Not only did MacEwen fail to hear his name called in an NHL draft, but he also didn’t even get picked in the QMJHL draft. Undeterred, MacEwen became a star in junior and then a star in the AHL before finally establishing himself as an NHL player this season. In 17 games with the Canucks he recorded five goals and six points, lending his size and scoring touch to the fourth line.
Now, after signing this new contract, he’ll look to lock down an roster spot from training camp and play his first full season in the NHL. The 6’4″ winger gives Vancouver an inexpensive option to play in the bottom-six as they get ready to watch Tyler Toffoli and Josh Leivo potentially leave in free agency and have to move up some of their other forwards.