Back in May of 2016, the Florida Panthers made a trade that sent Erik Gudbranson to the Vancouver Canucks. They in return received Jared McCann, a second and fourth round pick in the 2016 draft. This was a heavily debated move and still is sadly, amongst fans.
McCann registered one goal and six assists in 29 NHL games this season with the Cats. He spent some time on the top line with Jaromir Jagr and a few different combinations, but never really found his scoring touch.
Jagr power play goal from Jared McCann: pic.twitter.com/czvJGRggHN
— Cats On The Prowl (@Cats0ntheprowl) January 21, 2017
It was believed when the Panthers traded for him he’d be able to produce on the third line wing with Nick Bjugstad. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much playing time with Bjugstad and ultimately found himself in Springfield after Nicks return to the lineup.
With the Thunderbirds he was able to receive good playing and special teams time, much-needed to gain some confidence. In his time with Springfield he would put up 11 goals and 14 assists in 42 games. Not overwhelming numbers but he caught a late scoring rush at the end of the season.
Within the last 3 games of the season, McCann would put up 4 goals and 3 assists in 3 games for the T-Birds. 3 of the 4 goals he scored came against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, a hat trick for the youngster in a 7-0 victory.
Hat-trick goal for #FlaPanthers Jared McCann...10th goal of the season @ThunderbirdsAHL: pic.twitter.com/fZNjzmIPV0
— Panthers Prospects (@fla_prospects) April 15, 2017
That wasn’t it, the next day he would go on to score the game winning goal against the Hartford Wolf Pack and grab an assist. His great performance on the final weekend of the season earned him the honor of being CCM/AHL Player of the week.
McCann was a first round pick back in 2014 but was pretty much rushed into the league by the Canucks. That instead of playing in his third OHL season, may have slightly hindered his development but that’s just speculation.
First period goal for #FlaPanthers Mackenzie Weegar, 14th of the season...beautiful skill play by Jared McCann to set him up: pic.twitter.com/cnVbEnLQRT
— Panthers Prospects (@fla_prospects) April 16, 2017
Regardless, McCann has shown he has what it takes to log NHL minutes. Finding some success at wing would be key, he hosts a solid skill set and plays great in transition so he will compete for a roster spot in camp. Having already logged 98 NHL games in his short career, it already makes him an experienced candidate to make the Florida Panthers lineup in 2017.