LATEST | We now know what the Canucks' plan for their newest acquisition is
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced on Tuesday night that the team had signed NCAA free agent defenceman Cole McWard to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins this season and we now know when he'll make his NHL debut.
TSN's Darren Dreger revealed on Wednesday on Twitter that the 21-year-old will make his National Hockey League debut on Thursday night when the Canucks host the Chicago Blackhawks.
Several insiders were surprised to see McWard leave Ohio State after his sophomore year as it was expected he was going to stay for one more season, but with an NHL opportunity placed in front of him, it was something that the Fenton (Missouri) native couldn't turn down.
McWard scored nine goals during his sophomore campaign, which led Ohio State defencemen and was tied for sixth on the team in points with 21.
Check out four of McWard's goals in the video below, which showcases his powerful shot. His smooth skating is also on display as he walks the blue line before firing the puck through traffic and into the back of the net against Penn State.
Four goals from Cole McWard (#3) this season.
He will make his NHL debut tomorrow as per @DarrenDreger's reporting. pic.twitter.com/8RSU7VGJFF� 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 Faber 🔥🎙 (@ChrisFaber39) April 5, 2023
| POLL | ||
Are you excited to see McWard make his NHL debut on Thursday? | ||
| Yes | 138 | 55.9 % |
| No, should be in the AHL on an ATO | 72 | 29.1 % |
| See Results | 37 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||
