The Philadelphia Flyers have claimed another player off waivers, this time grabbing Zack MacEwen from the Vancouver Canucks. The Flyers added Patrick Brown earlier this week.
MacEwen was basically pushed out of the Canucks’ lineup by Alex Chiasson, who finally signed an NHL contract after attending training camp. The 25-year-old forward has never shown much offensive upside at the NHL level with just nine points in 55 games, but does bring a high level of physicality and size. The 6’3″ power forward recorded 65 hits in 34 games for the Canucks last season despite averaging fewer than nine minutes a game, racking up 44 penalty minutes in the process.
Undrafted, he actually has shown a strong offensive touch in the minor leagues, scoring 22 goals and 52 points in the 2018-19 season. But MacEwen isn’t being brought into Philadelphia to play in the top six or the powerplay. Instead, if he gets into the lineup at all he’ll likely be a fourth-line player. The question now is how he fits in, given Brown’s recent addition. Both have experience at center and could be in direct competition for ice time while the team continues to deal with the absence of Kevin Hayes. Hayes was included on the team’s opening night roster but has been moved to long-term injured reserve as he recovers from core muscle surgery.
Both claims, Brown and MacEwen, would need to pass through waivers in order to be assigned to the minor leagues. Should the Flyers place them on waivers, their previous teams would have a chance to nab them and send them directly to the AHL, should they be the only team to submit a claim.
Jimmykinglive
Good pickup for Philly. They need some toughness in the lineup
Bucky76
Way to go Zach great Island boy going to a good organization…hard nose player to a hard nose team….
DarkSide830
BSH losing it’s mind I bet
DarkSide830
though, i gotta know, are the penalties this guy takes stupid ones?
wreckage
McEwan is nothing more than a physical presence for games vs Wilson and Reaves. Last of a dying breed. Brings nothing more than a presence to a game.
Gbear
People have been predicting the end of this “breed” for a long time now. They seem to be maintaining their herd numbers regardless. ;)