The Jared McCann Extension Is Smart Business By The Kraken
The Seattle Kraken didn’t get much right during the expansion draft. Seattle is last in the Pacific division compiling 39 points in 58 games. If there is one positive note we can point to, it’s Jared McCann.
McCann, 25, has been Seattle’s best player during their inaugural season. As previously mentioned during the power rankings, the Kraken have a lot of financial freedom but didn’t have McCann locked up long term. That changes now.
The former Canucks, Panthers, and Penguins forward has inked a five year extension worth $25 million. His deal with carry a reasonable $5 AAV.
“I believe in this city and I believe in this organization,”
McCann has 12 assists and 21 goals in 50 games for Seattle this season. The former first round pick in 2014 is currently on IR at the moment. Both the assist and goals marks would represent career highs for the player. Do we think Kyle Dubas wants this one back? No? Maybe?
Despite playing mostly third line minutes for Seattle, McCann is slowly establishing himself as a reliable player. The underlying numbers for McCann have all been positive.
Signing McCann to an extension doesn’t do anything to probit the Kraken this offseason. They were already scheduled to have around $27 million in space next year prior to the McCann deal. Seattle will have plenty of opportunities to add to this roster for year two. Plus will have another high draft pick to add to the farm system. Letting a young gun like McCann hit the open market wasn’t the wisest decision.
McCann has another step forward in him. Just imagine what happens when he’s skating with better players? McCann currently has six more goals than any other player on the roster.
