2024 Draft Prospect Profile: Mac Swanson

Photo: Fargo Force

Mac Swanson is an 18-year-old left-handed left-winger. He was born on January 10, 2006, in Anchorage, AK, USA. Swanson spent the last season playing for the USHL team, the Fargo Force. He is projected to be drafted around #83 in this year’s draft.

Draft Projections
#83 by Inside The Rink

#96 by FC Hockey
#152 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)

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.

Blockbuster's Still Exist Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris as they discuss the hottest topics in the NHL. Including Alex Pietrangelo withdrawing from the 4-Nations Faceoff, Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, Will Borgen & Logan Thompson sign extensions, and MUCH MUCH MORE! 
  1. Blockbuster's Still Exist
  2. Fight Night
  3. LOOK At Us Now
  4. Decisions in Vancouver & World Junior Recap
  5. Headed Into The New Year

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Jayd Serdy

I grew up in Seattle mostly following baseball as a kid and more recently got into hockey. Since then it’s been my favorite thing, I love the community surrounding it, the people it’s brought into my life, the opportunities and of course the game itself. When I’m not watching hockey I spend a lot of time outside with my dog and following all kinds of other sports!

Leave a Reply

AHL: Milic Reassigned to Norfolk, DiVincentiis Recalled to Manitoba (01/28/2025)

The Manitoba Moose announced today that they’ve reassigned goaltender Thomas Milic to the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals while recalling goaltender Domenic DiVincentiis to the Moose. The Moose have had a tough time winning games this season, and that is no fault of the goaltenders. However, the move hopes to have Milic build his confidence while DiVincentiis […]

Read More
Jake Allen faces a shot against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Slow Start Downs New Jersey Devils in Philadelphia

The New Jersey Devils lost 4-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Poor execution in the first period, particularly on special teams, took the wind out of their sails and put them in an early hole that proved too much to overcome despite much better second and third frames. […]

Read More
Detroit Red Wings Embark On Four Game Road Trip

Detroit Red Wings Embark On Four Game Road Trip

The Detroit Red Wings will play four games over six days starting on Thursday.

Read More