Per Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, Philadelphia Flyers forward Zack MacEwen is drawing interest from the Edmonton Oilers.
MacEwen’s stock has improved during the early stages of the 2022-2023 season. After avoiding arbitration and signing a 1yr-$925K contract in August, MacEwen has been making the most out of his ice time this season after being called up from the AHL. MacEwen didn’t make the Flyers’ final roster cuts at the end of training camp even though he played 75 games for the Orange and Black during 2021-2022:
“I have to earn everything I get. Nothing’s going to be given to me. I just look at it as a way to go down and work on my game and use it to get better. Try to build some confidence and take what I can from that experience. Of course, you want to make the team on opening night, but I know where I’m at, and I know I can progress my game.”
Zack MacEwen; 10/17/2022
MacEwen has averaged 14:06 of ice time under John Tortorella this year, nearly five minutes more than last season. Appearing in the top-six at times and even being seen on the power play, MacEwen owns physical prowess on the ice. He isn’t going to dangle past defenders and snipe a shot off, but he plays a rugged game that can cause a momentum swing.
MacEwen has eight points (3G, 5A) in 27 games played this year. His playing style obviously doesn’t contribute to lighting up the scoresheet, but he has been effective in generating scoring chances for the Flyers.
Interest from Oilers
The Oilers currently own the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. After falling to the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the conference finals last season, the Oilers came into 2022-2023 as one of the favorites to win it all (+1400).
The Oilers are in the market for a rugged forward who can make an impact on their bottom six as they push to make their way back up in the Pacific Division. With MacEwen’s cap hit, he would be an affordable acquisition for the Oilers.
MacEwen was claimed off of waivers by the Flyers on October 13th, 2021. He’s familiar with the Pacific Division as he played for the Vancouver Canucks before joining the Flyers. The Oilers face many questions about improving multiple parts of their roster, but MacEwen is a player that can replace the physicality that has been missed by Evander Kane.
Any contending team would benefit from a player like MacEwen in their bottom six. With an improved stock since being claimed off waivers, any return on MacEwen would be a positive one for the Flyers since nothing was lost in acquiring him.
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