Kraken Exclusive
Seattle Hockey Insider has learned without question that the New Jersey Devils were at least one NHL team told by the Seattle Kraken earlier this summer that forward Jared McCann was unavailable.
The 29-year-old has led the franchise in scoring all four seasons of its existence and has two more seasons left on his contract at a very reasonable $5-million per.
Those are two very good reasons why the Kraken were telling teams, at least up until now, that they’re not parting with their lefty winger who can also play the middle.
The Montreal Canadiens are the latest club to be strongly rumored to have interest in McCann, who set a career high with 40 goals and 70 points in 2022-’23. He’s followed it up with very respectable 61 and 62 point seasons despite a change in coaches and frequent changes in linemates.
It would take a king’s ransom to pry McCann loose at this point, and it would still take a pretty hefty offer come late November or December should the Kraken falter in the early season. If they do, and the playoff chances look slim after US Thanksgiving, then the trade talk will triple.
The Devils are a logical choice and showed interest due to the fact they’re in desperate need of a consistent top-6 forward who has the ability to play the middle. Young Dawson Mercer hasn’t completely panned out near the top of the line-up despite a very hot start to his career in 2021-’22. The 23-year-old has proved durable, having never missed an NHL game during four seasons in the league.
There would be other possibilities coming the other way in a deal.
Jim Biringer, a beat reporter covering the Devils for RG Sports and other outlets, explained what New Jersey would probably be willing to give up. (the comments, and more on a potential Devils/Kraken deal can be found in the short video conversation below).
“Definitely you’re gonna have to throw a 1st-round pick in there, for a player like McCann,”Biringer told us. “If Dawson Mercer is part of this deal, then there has to be a top prospect going the other way as well. If Seattle needs defense, maybe a guy like Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec. For a guy that valuable, for $5-million, who can potentially put up 40 goals, those are three pieces I’m looking at to go back to Seattle, and if I’m the general manager of the Kraken, that’s probably what I’m asking for.”
The Kraken have the leverage, especially considering McCann’s affordability. The player has a ten-team no-trade list as part of his contract’s modified no-trade clause.
But “no McCann deals” for now.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Goalie Daccord Heads To Olympic Orientation
