NHL Rumors: 2 Teams Attempted Trade for Kraken's Jared McCann
The Seattle Kraken have made it clear their leading scorer, Jared McCann, is not available in trade talks despite interest from multiple teams.
Both the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens explored acquiring McCann this offseason, but the Kraken rebuffed their inquiries. McCann, a versatile forward who can play wing or center, has led Seattle in points each of the team’s four seasons and carries a cap-friendly $5 million deal for the next two years.
New Jersey Devils’ Push for a Proven Top-Six Forward
The Devils’ interest centers on the struggles of Dawson Mercer, who has yet to solidify a top-six role since his hot start in 2021-22. Fans had hoped GM Tom Fitzgerald could land a proven scorer like McCann to provide stability at multiple forward positions.
Any trade involving McCann would require a significant package in return, including a first-round pick, a top prospect, and possibly additional players such as Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec, especially if the Kraken are seeking defensive reinforcements.
Apparently, the #NJDevils tried to trade for #SeaKraken star forward Jared McCann earlier this summer and were turned away. https://t.co/WtHQ0dZPIN
— JP Gambatese (@jp_gambatese) August 20, 2025
Montreal Canadiens Explore McCann as a Second-Line Center
Meanwhile, the Canadiens have also shown interest in McCann as a potential second-line center to boost their offense. Local media and radio host Tony Marinaro reported that Montreal considered McCann to fill a scoring and depth need down the middle.
Proposed trade ideas have included sending Kirby Dach and a 2026 second-round pick to Seattle. While McCann has primarily been a winger, he has experience at center and offers a proven point-producing presence for the Canadiens’ lineup.
Jared McCann, as a 2nd Habs center, makes sense because:
— Benchrates (@benchrates) August 19, 2025
This trade won't be too expensive
Because there are 2 years left
Because if Jared has a bad time in the center, then they can put him on the wing and try Bolduc in the center
And because the lineup will still be… https://t.co/JT33y9yTPT pic.twitter.com/9Sks8B77zc
Kraken Hold the Cards
Despite interest from both franchises, the Kraken are not budging. Even if the team struggles early in the 2025-26 season, Seattle Hockey Insider's Rob Simpson reports that it would take a “king’s ransom” to pry McCann loose, and the trade chatter would likely surge only if Seattle’s playoff hopes dim after Thanksgiving.
For now, Jared McCann remains untouchable as the cornerstone of the Kraken’s lineup.
Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
