The Vancouver Canucks have added depth to their prospect pool by signing undrafted free agent Cole McWard to a two-year, entry-level contract, according to a press release from the team late Tuesday night. The 21-year-old right-shot defenseman recently completed his sophomore season with the Ohio State University Buckeyes.
PuckPedia reports that the contract, which walks McWard to restricted free agency in 2024, carries a cap hit of $922,500. McWard will earn an $855,000 salary this season and an $800,000 salary in 2023-24, a $95,000 signing bonus in both years and a potential $55,000 games played bonus in 2023-24.
McWard’s consistent offensive production over the past few seasons signals he could be a solid add for a team struggling with defensive depth on the right side. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Wednesday morning that Canucks fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action, as McWard is expected to make his NHL debut tomorrow versus the Chicago Blackhawks.
McWard, born in Fenton, Missouri, posted 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists) and eight penalty minutes in 39 games in 2022-23 at Ohio State. Those numbers led all Buckeyes defensemen in goals and finished second in assists and points.
During his freshman season, McWard also appeared in 36 of 37 games for Ohio State, posting 16 points, 40 blocked shots, and a +13 rating. He finishes his collegiate career with 37 points in 75 games.
In a statement, Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin praised McWard’s offensive production during his two seasons at Ohio State and his leadership skills during his final season with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL in 2020-21. The Canucks will work with the young blueliner to round out his game as he transitions to the professional level.
Before college, McWard played 149 USHL games with the Storm, recording 23 goals, 57 points, and 101 penalty minutes. He was the team’s captain and was selected to the All-USHL Second Team in 2021.
The Canucks have been active in the college free agent market this offseason, also signing center Max Sasson out of Western Michigan University and left defenseman Akito Hirose out of Minnesota State University. They all represent solid depth adds to a growing prospect pool as the Canucks try to figure out a long-term recipe for sustained success.
CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reported yesterday that Vancouver was a frontrunner for McWard.