Jared McCann's Rollercoaster Journey with the Kraken

After an impressive breakout season where he netted 40 goals in 2022-23, Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann has recently seen a dip in his offensive output. While he still managed to score over 20 goals in the following two seasons, his spot on the roster seems far from certain.

In a revealing discussion on the Sekeres and Price Show, insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period shared that the Kraken are open to potentially trading McCann. Adding to the speculation, TSN and The Athletic’s Chris Johnston hinted on his podcast that the franchise may indeed feel pressured to move him, raising eyebrows among fans.

A Scoring Leader in Question

Interestingly, McCann has been a central figure for the Kraken, leading the team in scoring over the past four seasons since being picked from Toronto in the expansion draft—a team he never played for. His stats are hard to argue with: last season, he tallied 22 goals and 39 assists across 82 games, bringing his total for the Kraken to 118 goals and 125 assists in 315 games. In a twist, he's managed to hit the 50-point mark every year in Seattle after struggling to reach such numbers elsewhere.

A Team-Friendly Contract with Trade Potential

McCann's contract, which has two years remaining at a reasonable $5 million, makes him an attractive player for many teams, particularly in a climate of rising salary caps. However, with a 10-team no-trade clause in place, McCann has some control over his future.

Seattle's New Direction Under New Management

Under new GM Jason Botterill and head coach Lane Lambert, the Kraken have shifted gears, making strategic additions like Mason Marchment and Frederick Gaudreau while facilitating cap-clearing moves, including Andre Burakovsky's departure to Chicago. These actions suggest Seattle is gearing up for a playoff push, making the idea of trading away their leading scorer somewhat counterproductive.

A Market of Scarcity and Potential Deals

Interestingly, the current free agent market lacks standout forwards, meaning the Kraken could demand a hefty return for McCann if they decide to trade him. This situation points to a potential strategic move: trading McCann might set the franchise back temporarily but could pave the way for stronger progress in the future.

As speculation swirls, McCann's future with the Kraken is a storyline to watch closely in the coming months. Will Seattle decide to keep their top scorer, or will a lucrative trade offer change everything? Only time will tell!