2024 Draft Prospect Profile: Mac Swanson

Diving Deeper

Swanson accumulated 77 points over 55 games with the Fargo Force during the 2023-24 season (26 goals, 51 assists.) He helped lead his team to win the Anderson Cup, the Bronze Medal in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this year as well as being named the USHL’s forward of the year. He is a top-10 passer in this years draft and has a smart shooting game with a non-stop motor.

Hockey IQ

Swanson is among one of many players in this years draft that is capable of knowing a play before it happens. He moves into the right places at the right times and makes any pass necessary to turn a play into a goal. He often has a threatening shot and a habit of getting where he needs to be to take that shot.

“His ability to process the game as quickly as he does and get his hands to react just as quickly enables him to make plays at speeds that defenders aren’t always prepared to deal with,” a scout said. “He has great puck control and despite being a bit limited in close quarters due to his small stature, he finds ways to avoid situations like that by making plays before the defense closes him down.”

Ryan Sikes, The Hockey News

Areas for Improvement

Looking at Swanson, the biggest concern is going to be his size. At just 5’7″, his ability to keep up with the rigorous pace of the NHL could prove to be a challenge. However, it is doable. His list of pros and his clear ability to be a consistent playmaker should help him out in the draft.

Final Thoughts

While Swanson is on the smaller side, his playmaking abilities can make up for that. There is a chance that teams will be scared off due to that, however, if that happens he could easily become a North Dakota Fighting Hawk where he would be a top playmaker. At least until he can improve his transitional threat. He certainly has the potential to become a middle-six playmaker, given the right opportunity for development.