The sides actually came to an agreement for a salary lower than the player's $990,000 qualifying offer.With the team in a salary-cap crunch, every bit of cap savings is welcomed and needed. In return, MacEwen's deal is a one-way contract rather than a two-way arrangement.
The Flyers remaining free agents: Wade Allison (RFA), Linus Högberg (RFA), Hayden Hodgson (RFA), and Jackson Cates (10.2 (c) restricted free agent).
Last season, MacEwen dressed in 75 games. He averaged 9:40 of ice time. Playing almost exclusively on the fourth line, MacEwen collected 110 penalty minutes, chipped in nine points (3g, 6a), was credited with 159 hits, had a positive takeaway-to-giveaway ratio (22 TA vs. 16 GA), blocked 32 opposing shots, started 63.3 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone, and had a 43.7 percent Fenwick at 5-on-5.
MacEwen had 12 fighting majors (six at home, six on the road) in 2021-22; fourth most in the NHL. It was one fewer than new Flyers teammate Nicolas Deslauriers (nine at home, four on the road) and two fewer than NHL league leader Tanner Jeannot of Nashville.
Originally a center, MacEwen stepped in and took 35 faceoffs last season. He won 16 and lost 19. He attempted 146 shots, putting 82 on net (56.6% shots through percentage) while missing the net or getting blocked on 39, and finding the net three times (3.7 percent).
The Flyers signed Deslauriers to a four-year contract this summer, putting MacEwen into a battle for an NHL roster spot coming training camp. His most likely competition consists of Tanner Laczynski (waiver exempt), Wade Allison (waiver exempt), Isaac Ratcliffe (subject to waivers) and Hayden Hodgson (subject to waivers). MacEwen would himself be subject to waivers if he does not earn an opening-night roster spot. One of the most popular Flyers players among teammates for his exuberant nature both on and off the ice, MacEwen is willing to take on all comers in defense of a teammate. He was also well-liked by fans for his approachability and friendliness.
With the Flyers starting the 2022-23 season with back-to-back home games before their first road trip, there is a possibility that the team could have only 12 forwards and six defensemen on the opening night roster before potentially using long-term injured reserve cap relief on someone such as Ryan Ellis (availability unknown) and/or Joel Farabee (who is projected to be out until late October to early November). It remains to be seen how the numbers game will work out. The addition of Deslauriers complicates MacEwen's road to securing an opening-night roster spot but it doesn't close the door. It will depend on training camp performances and the health of the players on the roster.
