PensBurgh Top 25 under 25: #16 – Mac Swanson

Only time will tell if Swanson has the skills to offset his lack of size.

Our annual countdown continues with a look at one of the Pittsburgh Penguins newest and most exciting young prospects coming courtesy of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Graduates and departed players from last year’s list
The best of the rest
#25: Raivis Ansons
#24: Kirill Tankov
#23: Isaac Belliveau
#22: Taylor Gauthier
#21: Chase Pietila
#20: Emil Jarventie
#19: Kalle Kangas
#18 Joona Vaisanen
#17: Filip Kral

#16: Mac Swanson, LW/C
2023 Ranking: N/A
Age: 18 (January 10, 2006)
Acquired Via: 2024 NHL Draft (7th round, #207 overall)
Height/Weight: 5-foot-7, 165 pounds

Elite Prospects Resume

Making his “25 Under 25” debut is 2024 draft selection Mac Swanson from the Fargo Force of the United State Hockey League and soon to be member of the University of North Dakota hockey team at the collegiate level beginning this season.

There are two immediate points that stick out when you dive into the scouting reports for Swanson. He is an elite playmaker with high-end skill at both passing the puck and putting the puck in the net himself. It’s a wonder he fell to the Penguins all the way in the seventh round, that is until you see his measurables, coming in at just 5’ 7” and 165 pounds.

via @TopDownHockey

Size will be discussed at length as Swanson develops and it’s unlikely at this point he will add much height to his small frame, but when watching him play, it’s clear the kid oozes talent with the puck on his stick. Just go search his name on “X” and see for yourself.

This was Swanson’s second and final season in the USHL as a member of the Fargo Force before moving onto the collegiate level and he made the most of it. In the regular season, Swanson racked up 77 points in just 55 games and was named the league MVP. That red hot play continued into the playoffs where Swanson led the Force to the USHL championship and was selected as playoff MVP.

Swanson will remain in North Dakota to play NCAA hockey with the University of North Dakota and take the next step in his development process. He’s likely still a few seasons away from even signing a pro contract, but a good freshman season with UND could see him fly up these rankings come next summer.

If not for his size, it’s likely Swanson goes much earlier in the draft given his entire skill set, even grabbing him in the seventh round may end being a steal for the Penguins in long run since many scouts still had him projected as a middle round selection despite his small frame.

Much of the Penguins success in the post-Crosby era will be determined by prospects they draft now. Swanson will be entering the professional ranks sometime around when the like of Crosby and Malkin will be hanging up their skates and the Penguins will fully shift into the next generation.

There is no doubt Swanson’s size poses some question marks as he rises through the ranks, but he has the exact type of skill set to be a successful NHL player regardless of how tall he stands and he’s the exact type of player who can lead the Penguins to success when his time comes.