Kraken forward Jared McCann’s name is being tossed around extensively in the hockey mad city of Montreal, Quebec. Prominent local radio and podcast host Tony Marinaro has backed up the rumours from other local media there, suggesting the Canadiens are on the hunt for the 29-year-old former 1st-round NHL Draft choice (2014) of the Vancouver Canucks.
The Habs are apparently desperate to find a number-2 centerman. McCann fits the bill.
Some Kraken fans might ask, “wait, isn’t he a winger?”
Yes he is, and he’s been the club’s leading scorer all four seasons.
A tough player to give up for a lot of reasons, not to mention his popularity among Seattle fans, many of them hockey newbies. Not a good way to support what you hope is a burgeoning audience.
But then again …
McCann proved to be very effective at the center position for the Kraken, particularly during head coach Dave Hakstol’s third and final season in charge. That would be 2023-’24 when McCann finished with a team high 62 points. He’s always struggled at the face-off dot, but he’s found a way to be an offensive threat and a tw0-way presence as a pivot. Those opportunities have been in limited spurts during his time in Seattle.
The Canadiens are prospect rich. The Kraken could benefit from that, but they’d also need at least two active NHL’ers in return, likely in this case, a winger and a D-man.
If the Habs want McCann for the middle, and the Kraken don’t plan to use him there, why not get everything you possible can for him.
Seattle would have the leverage, especially considering McCann comes with great value. His $5-million per season cap hit for two more years is a super deal for the club. He has a limited no-trade clause in his contract.
If he puts Montreal on his no-trade list then the deal’s a moot point. The Kraken could potentially try to talk him into it the deal if it were sweet enough.
Ultimately it’s just a business, and this trade, just a rumour for now.
Earlier Kraken:
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