McWard was originally signed by Vancouver out of Ohio State (NCAA) in 2022-23 and has signed a one-year, two-way contract after a successful first season with Abbotsford (AHL). The 23-year-old defensemen has appeared in six NHL games across his two seasons with Vancouver, picking up one goal and no assists. In 57 games with Abbotsford in 2023-24, he had four goals and 17 points.

McWard played 15 games with the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL this season, scoring four points (1G / 3A) and will make his Vancouver debut on Tuesday. He is expected to replace Mark Friedman, who will be a healthy scratch.

McWard had a goal, three assists, four PIMs and a +5 plus/minus through 15 games with Abbotsford (AHL) but has been recalled for the first time this season to Vancouver. The 22-year-old undrafted defensemen made his NHL debut in 2022-23 straight from Ohio State (NCAA) and had a goal and six SOG in a small five game showing to close out the year.

McWard had nine goals, 12 assists, eight PIMs and a -5 plus/minus through 39 games with Ohio State University (NCAA) this season and has signed a two-year, entry-level contract Tuesday. The 21-year-old undrafted defenseman will make his NHL debut on Thursday vs. the Chicago Blackhawks.

McWard had nine goals, 12 assists, eight PIMs and a -5 plus/minus through 39 games with Ohio State University (NCAA) this season and has signed a two-year, entry-level contract Tuesday. The 21-year-old undrafted defenseman will make his NHL debut on Thursday vs. the Chicago Blackhawks.