With height working against him at 5-7, Swanson’s transition to the NCAA was somewhat disappointing given the production he had in 2023-24 with the Fargo Force of the USHL. Playing in the full NCAA season with North Dakota, Swanson put up 18 points, and only two of those points were goals. He is a natural playmaker, so it is natural to see him register more assists on the scoresheet than goals; however, two goals in 38 games is likely not what the Penguins brass expected for him in the NCAA. Look for Swanson to shoot more in 2025-26 and spend another couple of seasons in the NCAA. If Swanson is not a point-per-game player at the NCAA by the end of 2026-27, it will be tough for him to progress to the NHL, considering his size.

Swanson was selected 207th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

June 2024 At this point in the draft, why not take a swing on a long-term project? Swanson’s slight frame is a definite concern, and his skating lacks pop, but he is a top-10 distributor in this draft with the tools to turn into a pure creator if his foot speed improves. Small players who can’t separate in transition rarely work out, but Swanson’s work ethic and high-end IQ could be the difference-makers that make him develop what he needs to develop and be the exception to the rule. Boom-or-bust with second-line upside. Hadi Kalakeche