Since signing a two year, $5.88 million contract extension the young 6-foot-1 winger is showing his ability to be a driver on the penguins top power play line alongside Sid and the kids. Jared McCann has grown into a solid two way player for the Pittsburgh Penguins the past two seasons. His offence and defence has improved drastically since being traded from Florida, this season being one of his best analytically.
Although he’s missed 13 games to injury, McCann is displaying one of his best seasons in the NHL.
Jared McCann: Underrated
Progression
With the Penguins losing Evgeni Malkin to IR they have gotten the chance to put more responsibility on McCann. The penguins have gone from bottom 10 to top 10 in the league in power play percentage. McCann currently has 13 goals and assists in 37 games. Seven of his goals coming from the powerplay. He also only averages 14:07 of ice time per game. He also leads the Penguins in goals per 60 minute at a rate of 1.55. He’s first in xPPO, xOFF, xGAR, and xWAR. He’s been a great surprise for the pens this season.
Style of play
Jared McCann is a player who utilizes his speed to push past opponents. If he puts on some muscle, he’ll definitely be an even more solid player for the Penguins next season. He could become the complete package for the East division contender. He has a knack for scoring goals as we’ve gotten to see the past month since he’s been promoted into a bigger role. The Stratford, Ontario native has improved the Penguins power play drastically and is always a threat when on the ice. You can vividly see he’s a great player in all three zones when on the ice.
Trade grade- Jared McCann, eventual best player in trade
The Penguins definitely won this trade after receiving Jared McCann and Nick Bjugstad from Florida in exchange for Derick Brassard, Riley Sheahan, a second, and two fourth-round picks. Who knows how much Jared McCann has left to show us. Time will tell as the veterans move on and he slots into a permanent top-six role.
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