Jared McCann Bio
Jared McCann (born May 31, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, 24th overall, during the 2014 NHL entry draft, McCann has developed into one of the NHL’s most consistent two-way forwards. His career trajectory includes stops with the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and Pittsburgh Penguins before establishing himself as a foundational piece with the Seattle Kraken, where he has set multiple franchise records and earned team MVP honors twice.
Early Life and Background
Jared McCann was born on May 31, 1996, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, to Erin and Matt McCann, owners of a construction company. He grew up alongside two older siblings, Justin and Jaimie, and an older half-brother, Jordan. Justin was adopted from Guatemala, a decision made due to concerns that pregnancy might worsen Erin’s multiple sclerosis symptoms. The cold Canadian winters in Stratford provided McCann with ample opportunity to develop his passion for hockey, as he spent much of his childhood playing ice hockey on frozen outdoor ponds. McCann has cited the Los Angeles Kings as his favorite NHL team during his youth, explaining that he simply liked the team’s colors and name.
Path to Professional Hockey
McCann began his minor hockey career with the London Jr. Knights of Alliance Hockey before advancing to the London Nationals of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League at the end of the 2011-12 season. His exceptional performance earned him Alliance Hockey’s Player of the Year honor. On April 7, 2012, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) selected McCann fourth overall in the OHL Priority Selection. During his rookie season with the Greyhounds in 2012-13, he recorded 21 goals and 23 assists in 64 games, earning co-recipient of the team’s Rookie of the Year Award and a spot on the OHL’s Second All-Rookie Team.
Despite suffering a serious concussion and severe whiplash during the 2013 OHL playoffs that required hospitalization and kept him out indefinitely, McCann recovered and continued to develop his craft. He was named to Team Orr for the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and scored the game-winning goal with 3:29 remaining in the third period. Entering the 2014 NHL entry draft ranked 10th overall among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, McCann was selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks on June 27, 2014, with a pick acquired earlier that day from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Ryan Kesler. He signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Canucks on July 24, 2014.
Jared McCann Career
Vancouver Canucks (2015-2016)
McCann made his NHL debut on October 7, 2015, against the Calgary Flames. Three days later, he scored his first NHL goal against Jonas Hiller of the Flames in a 3-2 overtime loss, with Canucks alternate captain Daniel Sedin describing the shot as “world-class.” On November 1, 2015, the Canucks announced that McCann and fellow rookie Jake Virtanen would remain with the team beyond their nine-game tryout period. His first career assist came on a Jannik Hansen goal on November 4 in a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. McCann played 69 games with the Canucks during the 2015-16 season, recording nine goals and 18 points.
Florida Panthers (2016-2019)
On May 25, 2016, the Vancouver Canucks traded McCann along with second and fourth-round picks to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Erik Gudbranson and a fifth-round pick. After participating in Panthers training camp, McCann was named to the opening roster for the 2016-17 season. After 17 games with one goal and two assists, he was reassigned to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds on November 21, 2016. With the Thunderbirds, he recorded 11 goals and 14 assists in 29 games and was named player of the week during the final week of the regular season.
During the 2017-18 season, McCann suffered a lower-body injury against the Washington Capitals on October 21, 2017, and was placed on injured reserve five days later. He returned to action on November 4 after missing five games and finished the season with nine goals and 19 assists, a career high at that time, in 68 games. On July 1, 2018, the Panthers signed McCann to a two-year, $2.5 million contract. He appeared in 46 games during the 2018-19 season, totaling eight goals and 10 assists before his trade.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2019-2021)
On February 1, 2019, McCann was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with Nick Bjugstad in exchange for Derick Brassard, Riley Sheahan, and draft picks. He finished the 2018-19 season with the Penguins tallying 11 goals, including three shorthanded goals, and six assists in 32 games. During the 2019-20 season, McCann set career-high numbers with 14 goals and 21 assists through 66 games. On September 18, 2020, he signed a two-year, $5.88 million contract to remain with Pittsburgh.
In 43 games during the 2020-21 season, McCann recorded 14 goals and 18 assists. He played six games during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, collecting one assist. On July 17, 2021, McCann was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a seventh-round pick and Filip Hallander. Both Pittsburgh and Toronto expected McCann to be selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, with the Penguins using him to reacquire Hallander and protect another player.
Seattle Kraken Era (2021-Present)
On July 21, 2021, the Seattle Kraken selected McCann from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2021 NHL expansion draft. During the preseason, he played on the Kraken’s top line at center between Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle. Although that line was expected to start the season together, McCann was placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list before the season opener. He was cleared to play before the contest and scored the second goal in Kraken franchise history in their inaugural game against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 12, 2021.
McCann’s line stayed together for the first four games before Schwartz was replaced by Alexander Wennberg. McCann was later added to the COVID-19 protocol list for 10 days but returned on November 11 to reunite with Schwartz and Eberle. By the end of December 2021, he had recorded 12 goals and five assists, ranking among the team’s top three scorers. He eventually overtook linemate Eberle for the team lead in goals scored, tallying his 20th goal of the season in February 2022. After missing three games due to an upper-body injury, McCann returned on March 5, 2022, and three days later became the first player in franchise history to sign a contract extension, agreeing to a five-year, $5 million per year deal.
By the end of the 2021-22 season, McCann had set career highs with 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points, and he was awarded the Pete Muldoon Award as the Kraken’s most valuable player.
2022-23 Breakthrough Season
During the 2022-23 season, McCann achieved numerous career highs and franchise records. On January 14, 2023, he recorded a hat-trick in an 8-5 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, helping the Kraken achieve an eighth-straight win, a franchise record at the time. On March 3, 2023, he scored his 30th goal of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets, setting both a franchise record and a personal career high. He played his 500th NHL game on April 3, scoring two goals in an 8-1 victory against the Arizona Coyotes. Through 79 games that season, McCann totaled 40 goals and 30 assists for 70 points, both career highs and franchise records.
The Kraken qualified for the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, but McCann left Game 4 of the first round against the Colorado Avalanche after receiving a hit from Cale Makar. He returned to practice on May 6 and appeared in Game 4 of the second round against the Dallas Stars. McCann finished the playoffs with one goal and two assists in eight games.
2023-24 and 2024-25 Seasons
McCann maintained his offensive production during the 2023-24 season. On January 13, 2024, he recorded his 300th career point in a 7-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, helping the Kraken set a franchise record ninth-straight win. In 80 games that season, he totaled 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points, earning the Pete Muldoon Award for the second consecutive year. During the 2024-25 season, McCann scored his 100th goal as a Kraken on October 22, 2024, becoming the first player to reach that milestone with the franchise. He finished the season with 22 goals and a career-high 39 assists for 61 points.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCann is known as a versatile two-way forward who excels at creating offensive opportunities while maintaining responsible defensive play. His hockey sense and ability to score in tight spaces have made him a reliable scoring threat throughout his career. His versatility allows him to play both center and wing positions, making him a valuable asset for lineup flexibility. McCann has demonstrated consistent goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills, with particular success in high-traffic areas of the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among McCann’s most significant career moments are scoring the second goal in Seattle Kraken franchise history during their inaugural game, becoming the first player to sign a contract extension with the Kraken, and achieving multiple franchise records during the 2022-23 season. His 40-goal season set a franchise record that still stands, while his consistent production has made him one of the most reliable forwards in Kraken history. His 100th career goal as a Kraken player cemented his place in franchise history.
Jared McCann International Career
McCann represented Canada at multiple international levels. He participated as a member of Team Ontario in the 2013 World U17 Hockey Challenge. Although he did not make Canada’s roster for the 2013 World U18 Championships after attending selection camp, he was named to Canada’s roster for the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he won a gold medal. The following year, he competed at the 2014 World U18 Championships, playing seven games and registering one goal and three points while winning a bronze medal.
On April 29, 2019, McCann was named to his first Canadian senior team roster for the 2019 World Championship. He helped Canada advance through the playoff rounds before losing the final to Finland, finishing with a silver medal. He recorded two goals and three assists during the tournament. Five years later, he rejoined Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF World Championship, scoring three goals as Canada finished fourth after losing the bronze medal game.
Jared McCann Family
Family Background
McCann was born to Erin and Matt McCann, who owned and operated a construction company in Stratford, Ontario. His mother Erin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which influenced the family’s decision to adopt Justin from Guatemala. McCann grew up with his siblings in a supportive family environment that encouraged his hockey ambitions despite the challenges posed by his mother’s health condition.
Personal Life
McCann resides in Seattle during the NHL season, where he continues to build his legacy with the Kraken organization. Known for his professional approach to the game and community involvement, he has become a respected leader within the Kraken locker room. His consistency and durability have been hallmarks of his career, allowing him to remain a productive player despite the physical demands of professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season saw McCann continue his reliable offensive production while reaching another career milestone. His 39 assists established a new personal best, demonstrating his evolution as a playmaker in addition to his goal-scoring abilities. The Kraken relied heavily on his two-way play and leadership as they competed for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. His chemistry with linemates and ability to contribute in all situations made him a crucial component of Seattle’s forward group.
Throughout the season, McCann demonstrated the consistency that has defined his career, recording multiple point streaks and game-winning performances. His 100th goal as a Kraken on October 22, 2024, became a celebrated franchise moment and highlighted his importance to the organization since joining via the expansion draft. The coaching staff utilized him in various roles, including power play and penalty kill situations, reflecting his reliability and versatility.
Looking ahead, McCann remains a cornerstone of the Seattle Kraken’s long-term plans with his contract running through 2026. The 2025-26 season presents an opportunity for him to build upon his achievements and potentially surpass his career-high 70 points from the 2022-23 season. His leadership qualities and consistent production suggest he will continue playing a vital role in the Kraken’s pursuit of postseason success and franchise milestones.