Canucks sign 22-year-old NCAA winger Marc Gatcomb to AHL contract: Here’s what he brings

The Abbotsford Canucks continue to add depth to their lineup with the signing of the University of Connecticut left-winger Marc Gatcomb.

After four years at UConn, the 6’2″ winger is moving on to professional hockey. Gatcomb had eight goals and 13 assists in 36 games with the Huskies this season. He played on their first line late in the season after working his way up the lineup throughout the year.

Gatcomb is a big body right-shot winger who can play both the left and right wing. He has a decent release but is more known for being accountable in his own zone. The Huskies played a strong defensive game this season and that led to multiple players signing professional contracts at the conclusion of their NCAA year.

On top of his solid defensive play, Gatcomb has been known to throw the body around and will likely try to showcase that when he arrives in the AHL. He threw some massive hits this year and a few of them cost him penalties because he would leave his feet or be given a boarding call. His energy is not questioned, as he has proven to be willing to hit anyone over his time in the NCAA.

Gatcomb has big goal celebrations as many NCAA kids do, he will be physical, and the hope is that his defensive prowess helps land him some bottom-six time in the AHL. We expect to see him join the team in the coming days and potentially make his way into the lineup as soon as next weekend.

The Abbotsford Canucks are in action this weekend with games on Saturday and Sunday against the Laval Rocket out at the Abbotsford Centre.