He currently holds the third spot on the team–leading all defenders–with a plus-10 rating, and a plus-9 5v5 goal differential and has been one of the more consistent performers on a nightly basis for this banged-up and relatively inexperienced Canuck team.

Ceiling: As we’ve established, McWard is a serviceable and responsible two-way defender. He rarely puts himself into risky positions and doesn’t often make mistakes. However, he doesn’t necessarily possess any elite tools; instead, he relies on simple and reliable ones. While he may have the capability to step up into a top-four role in a pinch, it’s more likely that he will reach his peak as a solid third-pair defenceman at the NHL level.

Floor: At the very least, McWard is a top-four AHL defender. His well-rounded profile positions him for a lengthy AHL career, where he can be an asset to any minor league defensive corps.

ETA: As a coveted right-hand option, he should be in the mix to earn the final spot on Vancouver’s third pairing. Should he fall short of that, we anticipate him to be used as a solid fringe defender, providing service when needed from the big club during the 2024-25 season. Of course, as a (10.2(c)) restricted free agent this summer, he’ll need to ink a deal first.

# 9. Lucas Forsell

Position: Right-wing
Handedness: Right
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds

Lucas Forsell, a right-wing prospect drafted in the seventh round in 2021, has faced a challenging developmental season in the SHL.

Of course, much of that comes with the territory of being the youngest full-timer (20-years-old) on a competitive team vying for an SHL title.

His skill, which we have highlighted in the past here at CanucksArmy, hasn’t diminished; he has simply struggled to find consistent ice time and has been primarily used in a fourth-line role.

Nevertheless, we still value his skill set and long-term potential.

With 11 goals and 13 points over 35 games as a 19-year-old in Sweden’s top league last season, we are well aware of Forsell’s capabilities and despite his limited role this year, we’ve been given glimpses that offer much hope that he can get back to his 2022-23 form with a higher role.

Across 38 games, he’s produced just three goals and four points, averaging 9:07 of ice time–he’s only eclipsed the 13-minute mark of ice time on three occasions all season.

Although he hasn’t played a ton, he sits fifth on his team with 18 hits and third among forwards with blocked shots on the season, which is a tell-tale sign of how this kid plays the game.

He has, however, enjoyed some success in the Champions Hockey League–a mid-season tournament which hosts various teams from the top European leagues–where he collected three goals, five points and 16 shots across nine games. Here, he enjoyed an uptick in ice time in those games and even saw time among the team’s top-six.

When the stakes are lower and the games hold less significance, he’s been afforded more ice time, and unsurprisingly, he’s stepped up to the plate.

It’s because of this that we continue to believe in his potential.

At his best, and when he is seeing minutes, Forsell’s outstanding feature is his never-quit motor and willingness to give his all on the ice with each shift.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and 161 pounds, he may not carry the biggest presence out there or deliver bone-crushing hits. Instead, it’s his strong work ethic and pest-like approach on puck carriers and on the forecheck that makes him so effective.

He possesses a good shot and solid foot speed off the rush, but he primarily generates offence by driving to the net, battling in the tough areas, and capitalizing on opportunities.

Whether it’s a crash-and-bang rebound, a slick deflection or an in-tight shot, his willingness to grind it out and get to the dirty areas allows him to earn every point.

We preach Tocchet-type players often here in Canuck Nation, and Forsell screams just that.

Ceiling: If we’re being extremely optimistic, his ceiling could be as a second-line forward with evident potential for net-front contributions to special teams. However, a more realistic scenario sees him as a third-line energy player who can contribute on the scoresheet and also excel in net-front roles on the power play. The hope is that Forsell earns a much more significant role next year, and start producing points to go along with his heavy motor.

Floor: AHL top-six. If he wants to make the move, he is capable of carving out a top-six role at the AHL level, and could probably collect a nice column of point totals.

ETA: Forsell recently secured a three-year extension with Farjestad in the SHL. This isn’t necessarily a huge issue, and if we’re being honest, is somewhat expected. Forsell has expressed his comfort with continuing his development in Sweden, and it was anticipated that he would sign a new deal at some point. Typically, European contracts include an “escape clause” that would allow him to join the Canucks should they choose to bring him over and he agrees. Although the road ahead may be long, if he can secure an elevated role next year and begin contributing offensively, we maintain confidence in his abilities, despite the modest statistical output this year.