The NY Rangers could be looking to add to their forward depth by landing winger Jared McCann from the Seattle Kraken this offseason.
According to the Fourth Period’s Summer Trade List, McCann is reportedly on the block as multiple teams have expressed interest in the 28-year-old.
In addition to the Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators are believed to be in the mix to land McCann from the Seattle Kraken.
McCann is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $25 million contract, which seems affordable considering his production. McCann hit career-highs in points and goals in 2022-23, maintaining his production over the last two seasons.
The former first-round pick from 2014 has emerged as a consistent 20-goal, 60-point player, though he could top 30 goals again under the right circumstances.
The Rangers could use McCann in their top six. According to Daily Faceoff, the Rangers’ top line features Vincent Trocheck with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on the wings. Meanwhile, the second line sees J.T. Miller center Will Cuylle and Mika Zibanejad. Adding McCann could mean that someone like Cuylle slides down into the middle six, or perhaps Lafreniere goes down to the second line with Zibanejad heading to the third line.
If anything, McCann’s addition gives the NY Rangers options. Those options are crucial, especially as the Rangers look to get back to their Presidents’ Trophy form of 2023-24.
The Cost for NY Rangers to Acquire Jared McCann
The chatter around the league suggests that the Seattle Kraken are in no hurry to trade Jared McCann. That situation means the Kraken would not sell low on McCann. In all likelihood, the asking price would be high.
Based on other trades seen this offseason, McCann could fetch a first-round pick and a roster player to replace McCann in the lineup. Plus, a prospect or package of mid-round picks could round out the asking price.
Perhaps the NY Rangers could include a roster player like Gabe Perreault could kick off the conversation. Moreover, the Rangers have two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. So, one of them could be moved in this trade.
It’s worth pointing out that the Kraken are looking to get back into the playoff picture this upcoming season. So, don’t expect the Kraken to take a bunch of futures back unless they’re the sort that could be used in another trade to acquire further assets.
One Roadblock Could Keep McCann from Heading to Broadway
There’s one roadblock that could keep Jared McCann from joining the Blue Shirts on Broadway. McCann has a modified, 10-team no-trade clause in his contract. That situation means that McCann would have to approve the trade if the NY Rangers are on his list.
It’s hard to envision the Rangers on his list. Otherwise, the Kraken and Rangers could work out a deal with relative ease.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Kraken and the NY Rangers have teamed up on trades before. Last season, the Blue Shirts sent former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Kraken in exchange for Will Borgen and draft picks.
That solid trade history between the two teams could lead to a win-win trade for all sides involved.
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