Former Penguin Reportedly Involved in High-Stakes Trade Talks With Canadian Team

The Montreal Canadiens want to acquire Seattle Kraken centre Jared McCann, 'The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa reports.

The Canadiens still have to sign a real second-line centre, and although Jared McCann has been a nearly full-time winger in Seattle, his prior experience in being a centerman makes him an intriguing option.

Since coming in with the Kraken at the 2021 Expansion Draft, McCann has provided great offence with a 40-goal year, at least on the wing. Previously, early in his time in Florida and Pittsburgh, he played centre quite well.

Now 29 years old, he could provide Montreal with a quick fix and an extra scoring depth charge behind Nick Suzuki. Pairing McCann with top prospect Ivan Demidov would be especially exciting.

Both are exciting shooters and playmakers, and they could complement a line with Patrik Laine, if he's healthy, or Zach Bolduc, who is a two-way powerhouse with an underappreciated shot.

On the power play, McCann might fit into the second unit, with Zach Bolduc, Noah Dobson, and whatever sniper, Patrik Laine or Cole Caufield, is on that line. His scoring and playmaking skills would give Montreal's depth units a shot of adrenaline.

McCann's contract is also reasonable. For another two seasons at $5 million per year, his contract is fair. If the second-line centre role is eventually filled by prospect Michael Hage, then McCann can go back to the wing without depreciating in value.

While a year or two older than much of the Canadiens' core, McCann still falls within their window of competition and would offer solid veteran depth as the team matures into a contender.