Ex-Penguins Star Rumored in Major Trade Talks with Canadian NHL Team | Times of India

The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly interested in trading for former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jared McCann, who currently plays for the Seattle Kraken, according to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News. The Canadiens are in the market for a reliable second-line centre and they deem McCann to be a viable candidate due to his versatility and scoring abilities.

Now 29, McCann brings a combination of experience and efficiency to the table. His golden career moment came when he scored 40 goals in a season with the Kraken. He showed his adaptability while playing for the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, displaying his expertise in both the centre and on the wing – an asset Montreal could use to its advantage according to its requirements.

There have been concerns about the depth of the Canadiens’ team, and McCann could be the answer to those. He could be a valuable addition to a line with captain Nick Suzuki and rising star Ivan Demidov, and could also contribute on special teams. His ability to transition between the roles of playmaker and scorer make him a versatile asset.

McCann’s contract, which has two years remaining and costs $5 million per season, adds to his appeal. If prospect Michael Hage secures the second-line center spot in the future, McCann can still be valuable if reassigned to the wing. He’s slightly older than Montreal’s core, but McCann could provide stability and help push the Canadiens toward being strong competitors in the Eastern Conference.