Seattle Kraken general manager Jason Botterill has his sights set on change.
After trading for Mason Marchment and Frederick Gaudreau, former Buffalo Sabres manager inked Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal with the Kraken. Now, per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, another player could potentially depart from the Emerald City: Jared McCann.
“His [McCann] name started to pop up around trade deadline; he’s still available,” Pagnotta said in an interview with “Sekeres and Price.” “He’s somebody that we’ve been hearing that Seattle is also open to moving.”
Selected in the Kraken’s inaugural expansion draft, McCann has scored an impressive 118 goals and 243 points in 315 games. McCann led the Kraken in goals and points in their 2024-25 campaign and is the team’s all-time leader in both goals and points.
He has just two years left on his contract at $5M per year. The Kraken, per Jacob Stoller of Sportsnet, considered moving McCann during last season’s trade deadline.
Why the Kraken Might Want to Move McCann
In his inaugural press conference, Botterill emphasized the importance of bringing in young talent. “[I] will look close at different opportunities to bring in players, whether that’s from a free agent standpoint or from a trade standpoint, but a big part of how we’re going to move the organization forward is our young players stepping in.” This pivot toward a youth movement suggests that McCann, 29, may be the odd man out in the near future.
If the past is any indication, the Kraken are no strangers to these types of deals. Last month, Seattle traded Andre Burakovsky, one of their first players selected in their expansion draft, to the Chicago Blackhawks for Joe Veleno.
Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand saw their way to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two first round picks, a second round pick and Michael Eyssimont. Trading McCann would open a spot on the team’s top-six for a young forward.
How a Jared McCann Trade Could Work
McCann has a modified no-trade clause. He can select up to 10 teams on his no-trade list, which limits Botterill’s ability to move his deal. With that said, The Athletic ranks his $5M/year contract as one of the best deals in the NHL.
It’s not everyday a top-six forward with McCann’s goal-scoring ability becomes available. Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, have already been linked to McCann. What a trade looks like may depend on what the Kraken need — and what teams are willing to pay.
During the trade deadline, the asking price for a forward of McCann’s caliber landed among roster players and defensive prospects. With the offseason underway, the asking price may very well change. Should a team in need of scoring like the Chicago Blackhawks pursue McCann, the asking price would likely land around a high draft pick and a prospect.
Playoff teams in win-now mode like the Maple Leafs may have to pay a higher price — especially if they want the Kraken to retain salary.With two full seasons at an affordable deal and the capability to consistently score above 20 goals, Jared McCann looks to be a worthy asset for any team. The question remains on the price — and Botterill’s willingness to sell his best forward.
Seattle Kraken Could Have Plans for Top Forward: Report