Observations:

February 2017 – Immediately after getting time on the Panthers top line, the 20 year old was sent down to the minors in order to make room for players returning from injury. McCann has struggled to solidify a consistent role in the NHL this year, despite having plenty of opportunity with a banged up Panthers squad. The talent is definitely there and McCann should benefit from receiving top line minutes in the AHL in order to refine certain offensive elements of his game. McCann was often buried on the depth chart in Vancouver, which resulted in centering the 4^th line for much of his rookie season. I am happy to see the Panthers not making that same mistake and showing patience in his development, so that he can eventually be groomed into a top 6 role. McCann currently has 9 points in 19 games in the AHL and collected 7 points in 29 games with the Panthers. Joel Gluss

April 2016 – The “other” of the 19-year-olds on the Canucks roster, along with Jake Virtanen, McCann faced a steep learning curve in his first season as an NHL player. Finishing up the campaign with nine goals and 18 points, the former Sault St. Marie Greyhound found himself playing in a bottom-six role for the most part. This may certainly be a reflection of his future in the NHL, as his upside has been described as that of a responsible second-line pivot. While the season the Canucks had may leave much to be desired, it may also reflect a base-case scenario for McCann and Vancouver’s other young players. That means an ability to play at the pro level with reasonable expectations, allowing them to learn the subtle points of the game and grow in a nurturing environment. David McDonald

December 2015 – This has certainly been a learning experience for Jared McCann. After making the Canucks out of training camp along with fellow former 1st round pick Jake Virtanen, he has consistently served a bottom six role with the organization in his first year of NHL hockey putting up two goals and six points with a minus-3 rating and 10 PIM in November and December-to-date. With modest offensive totals in a more defensive role, to go along with a face-off percentage hovering around 30% since the beginning of November, McCann is still learning the ropes of the big show. Given his young age of nineteen, along with his on-the-job training, McCann stands in a good place to continue his development into a middle-six pivot.David McDonald

November 2015 – McCann received some great news Monday morning (Nov.2) to start his week. The club announced that both he and Jake Virtanen had made the team and will be sticking around past the 10 game mark. The 19-year-old has steadily contributed this season as he leads the team with five goals through his nine games played. He penchant for tickling the twine, work ethic, and solid two-way play earned him his spot on this team. Of note, he can still be sent back to the OHL after 10 games, though the first year of his entry level deal would be burnt. Mike Barrett 

October 2015 – After scoring two goals earlier in the week against Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens, the rookie capped off his week and nine game audition by opening the scoring and collecting his fifth goal of the season versus the Arizona Coyotes on the night of October 30.  Coach Willie Desjardins has a tough decision to make, as McCann can clearly contribute to the Canucks' success, even while skating strictly in a bottom-six role. Mike Barrett 

October 2015 – Jared McCann scored his first career NHL goal on October 10th beating Flames netminder Kari Ramo on a beautiful wrist shot. McCann has endeared himself well to the Canucks coaching staff showing a responsble two-way game but his minutes have hovered around the 10-minute-per-game mark. He's played well enough to warrant a roster spot but it's more likely he will eventually be returned to the Soo Greyhounds for one final year of junior hockey. Brendan Ross

October 2015 – Much to the delight of the fan base, theteam announced that the impressive rookie had survived the last round of cuts and made the team (Oct. 5th) after a very strong camp. While Bo Horvat started last season on the fourth line before slowly climbing the latter, McCann debuted on the third line between Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen. Though he did not look out of place in his 12:31 of ice-time, there is still a chance that management sends him back down to the OHL before the ten game mark. Mike Barrett

September 2015 – The 19-year-old has played well throughout Canucks training camp, well enough that he earned a top-six audition on the wing next to Brandon Sutter and Alex Burrows on September 28th in a pre-season tilt against Arizona. He was subsequently moved back to center after the first period, but the fact that he had the chance to play in a scoring role along side every day NHLers means the coaching staff sees a bright future in him. That wasn't the highlight of his night though. That being when he sniped home the only goal of the game on a third period power play from the top of the strong side circle. His quick release and accuracy stood out, as did his giddy celebration (see video below). McCann is a long shot to make the squad, but all signs point toward a bright future. Mike Barrett

August 2015 – On June 24th, McCann was one of 40 players named to Canada's World Junior Summer Evaluation Camp roster. During the team's first exhibition game vs Russia on August 3, McCann took a big hit at center ice from 6-3 210 lb defenseman Nikita Zhulidkov and did not return. He was definitely shook up, which is not good news for himself, the Canucks, Team Canada or the Greyhounds. McCann was having a solid camp up to that point. – Mike Barrett

March 2015 – While there may not be a better, and deeper roster in all of the CHL, Jared McCann has had no problem making a name for himself this season. After scoring nine points in his first six games, McCann has been on a tear becoming one of Canada's hottest prospects, ripping up the OHL with 64 points in his last 46 games. An incredible pace for the 18-year-old center who also exhibits responsible two-way play with a plus-24 rating. His 32 goals and 43 assists are both good for second on the team. The playoffs will say a lot about McCann's NHL scoring potential as pressure situations usually give us a better idea of what a player is capable of at the next level.  – Mike Barrett

October 2014 – After finishing last season at an almost point-per-game pace (64-27-35-62), McCann returns to a very strong Greyhounds (8-2) team looking to improve on that mark. McCann has started well on that path, contributing four goals and five assists in just six games already. It should be mentioned that he is also already fifth in team scoring. Mike Barrett

October 2014 – Greyhounds forward Jared McCann has been named to the OHL’s roster for the upcoming Subway® Super Series and will compete in the November 17^th game in Kingston. Brendan Ross

September 2014 – Jared McCann was diagnosed with Mono just prior to the Young Stars Classic and therefore was unable to participate. He has since been sent home to rest and will rejoin his teammates in Sault Ste. Marie when he is back to full strength. Mike Barrett

June 2014 – The Vancouver Canucks selected Jared McCann 24^th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

August 2013 – After posting 61 goals and 131 points in 67 games for the London Jr. Knights Gold minor midget squad, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds selected Jared McCann 4^th overall at the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft. McCann enters his 2014 draft year as one of the more intelligent players as he is constantly showcasing his elite hockey sense. His understanding of the game is evident in all areas of the game and mistakes in his decision making are very rare. McCann makes the players around him much better by his ability to read the play and react before it unfolds. McCann is a complete hockey player and his shot is already well above average. With a 2011 Alliance Bantam Championship, 2012 AMMPHL Championship and 2013 Ivan Hlinka Gold Medal already in his trophy case, McCann has shown that he is a proven winner.  Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: B +

McCann projects as a responsible two-way centerman with scoring upside at the NHL level and will compete for a top 10 selection at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Footage:

Jared McCann scores first career NHL goal vs Calgary Flames on October 10, 2015:

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McCann Goal – Vancouver Canucks vs Arizona Coyotes September 28 2015

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Jared McCann Best Goals of 2014/15

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Jared McCann drafted by Vancouver Canucks 24th overall – 2014 NHL Entry Draft 

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