Sawchyn Needs to Hit the Weights: Building Muscle for the NHL
Gracyn Sawchyn, a young and promising center prospect for the Florida Panthers, knows exactly what he needs to work on to reach the NHL: muscle. This isn’t just a coach’s request, it’s something he recognizes as crucial to his success in the notoriously physical world of professional hockey. This summer, Sawchyn is hitting the gym with a singular focus: gaining strength and adding bulk to his frame.
At 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, Sawchyn is a skilled playmaker with a knack for making things happen on the ice. However, in the NHL, size matters. Sawchyn understands this, and he’s embracing the challenge of building a more imposing physique. Despite his current size, Sawchyn has already shown an impressive ability to hold his own against bigger opponents.
During his first training camp with the Panthers, Sawchyn impressed veterans like Sam Reinhart with his willingness to engage physically. Reinhart, a seasoned NHL player, recognized Sawchyn’s determination to compete despite his size. “He’s gotten his body in there and that’s great for someone that age and that size,” Reinhart observed. “Obviously, he’s going to continue to get bigger, but the most important thing is that he’s not shying away; he’s initiating that contact. And that’s going to help him learn, that’s going to motivate him to continue working off the ice.”
Sawchyn’s dedication to physical development doesn’t stop there. He’s not just focusing on bulking up – he’s also working on strengthening his entire body. This commitment to physical development has been evident from the start of his hockey journey. Following his first development camp, Sawchyn’s performance at the Panthers rookie tournament was so impressive that coach Paul Maurice paired him with veteran players like Reinhart during training camp.
Maurice was struck by Sawchyn’s tenacity and work ethic. “For a young guy who is not the biggest man on the ice yet, somehow, he is on the puck, he plays the game and he competes right through drills,” Maurice said. “I would have thought he would have worn out after three days because of his age but he was not.’’
- Sawchyn recognizes the importance of adding muscle to his frame to succeed in the physical world of professional hockey.
- Despite his current size, Sawchyn has shown an impressive ability to compete physically against bigger opponents.
- Veterans like Sam Reinhart have praised Sawchyn’s determination and willingness to engage physically, which motivates him to continue working on his physical development.
- Sawchyn’s dedication extends beyond bulking up; he is also focused on strengthening his entire body, showcasing tenacity and work ethic that have impressed coaches and players alike.
Sawchyn’s Journey: From Seattle to Edmonton
Sawchyn’s path to the NHL has taken him across North America, with stints in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for both the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Edmonton Oil Kings. After his first training camp with the Panthers, Sawchyn returned to Seattle and had a solid season, putting up 21 points in 17 games. However, in December 2022, he was traded to Edmonton, along with his younger brother Lukas, in a deal that involved seven draft picks.
The trade brought Sawchyn closer to his family in Alberta, and it also provided him with a new opportunity to grow his game. As he explained, “I had a different role in Edmonton, and I enjoyed it a lot. That definitely helped me grow.” In Edmonton, Sawchyn thrived, recording 43 points in 37 WHL games. He even joined the Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Charlotte for the end of the season, although he didn’t see any game action.
The move to Edmonton provided Sawchyn with valuable experience and helped him gain confidence. His time in Edmonton was a valuable learning experience, giving him a chance to hone his skills and adapt to a different style of play. He’s emerged from this experience a more mature and well-rounded player, ready to take on the next challenge in his career.
The Future is Bright: Sawchyn’s Next Steps
Sawchyn is back in South Florida for the Panthers’ development camp, where he’s once again turning heads. He’s playing on a top line and making the most of this opportunity to showcase his abilities. He’s determined to impress the coaching staff and make a strong case for a spot on the Panthers’ roster.
This summer, Sawchyn’s focus is on building strength and muscle. He knows this is crucial to his future success. He’s putting in the hard work, and he’s confident that it will pay off.
“It was awesome,” Sawchyn said of being traded to Edmonton. “I had been in the States for a couple of years, and I have a lot of family there. So it was great.”
Sawchyn’s journey is a testament to his dedication and determination. He’s not afraid of hard work, and he’s always looking for ways to improve. With his commitment to physical development, his impressive skill set, and his unwavering work ethic, Sawchyn has the potential to become a key player for the Florida Panthers. The future is bright for this young prospect, and his journey is one worth following.
