Canucks & Wild Could Both Have Kraken Forward As Trade Target
There doesn't appear to be a need for the Seattle Kraken to trade Jared McCann, but that hasn't stopped rumors from swirling. Maybe there's something else going on as the team has some RFAs to sign, but also over $16 million in projected cap space next season.
The Kraken brought in Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau, and Joe Veleno this offseason already while moving Andre Burakovsky. The lineup, while not having any superstars, is very deep. They should at least be able to contend for a playoff spot.
The Kraken’s leader in points from this season was McCann with 61. The next closest to him was Chandler Stephenson with 51. The team has some great young pieces that are already contributing or growing into some of the most impactful players on the team. This is a team that wants to get back into the playoffs next season.
Regardless of this, David Pagnotta reported that the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators have been linked to McCann. The Canucks seem like the most likely as their need for a center is very high, especially with Pius Suter likely headed to free agency.
A team that wasn’t mentioned there is the Minnesota Wild, and after sending Gaudreau to the Kraken, have the cap space and desire to upgrade their top-9. This is the first time they are able to really take a swing at bigger pieces and become a true contender. McCann, whether he plays on the wing or at center, would be a piece the Wild would definitely be interested in. Their forwards, outside of a select few, need more scoring. The team defense is already strong.
McCann can score and has a little grit to his game. He isn’t the greatest in the faceoff circle, but that isn’t always the selling factor for a player that can play the position well in every other regard. I don’t see a logical way the Kraken move on from McCann with two years left at $5 million AAV with what he brings to the table and the direction the Kraken hope to go next season.
