We kick off our 2014 NHL Draft coverage today with our first prospect profile; over the next month Defending Big D will be dedicated to covering every aspect of the draft and the Dallas Stars needs and goals heading into the summer.
Today’s 2014 NHL Draft prospect is Jared McCann, a two way centre from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Jared McCann, Center, 6’1″, 175lbs, Shoots Left
| Regular Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIMs |
| 2012-2013 | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | 64 | 21 | 23 | 44 | -6 | 35 |
| 2013-2014 | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | 64 | 27 | 35 | 62 | 9 | 51 |
| Post Season | |||||||
| 2012-2013 | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013-2014 | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | 9 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -1 | 4 |
Jared McCann is the top two way center that could be available at the 14th pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if McCann is taken in the top 10 but theres still a chance he’d be on the board when the Dallas Stars get round to picking.
McCann is another one of those prospects who has excellent skating skills, though not the best in the draft he is up there. McCann often shows that he can think the game very well, appearing in the high percentage scoring areas but also being able to get off that pass to the team mate thats open. While it sounds simple sometimes prospects get tunnel vision but that isn’t a problem for McCann.
He’s willing to battle along the boards to get the puck and can keep puck possession despite the attentions of the oppositions top players. That doesn’t mean it’s his instinctive reaction but something that appears to have been coached into him. He’s not going to be a hugely physical player.
While he makes his own teammates better in the offensive zone he’s also praised for his work in his own zone. His effort and compete level is equal in all three zones and he’s been able to help shutdown some of the OHL’s best forwards. He knows where he has to be to stop a goal and to score one. An interesting reputation to have for someone who only turned 18 at the end of May and has played two seasons in the OHL.
So if he is so great why could he be available at 14? Well, there are concerns about how he has been worn down over each season. As one of the Greyhounds top players it will bring a certain amount of attention to you in the form of sticks and gloves. Things like this could probably be addressed through putting on some more muscle. Not something unusual for young prospects and something that can be easily done with some effort.
Another factor is that he isn’t seen to have the flashy offensive talents of some of those in this draft class who be will be being picked in the mid first round. Due to this he’s seen as being a safe pick and one whose floor is quite high. McCann has the all around package even if he doesn’t have the puck on a string the whole time.
Scouting reporting from around the web:
McCann has already developed a strong-two way game and has become a strong penalty killer for the Greyhounds, as well as the centre who plays against the other team’s best line every night. He brings his non-stop work ethic in all three zones, and is extremely gritty. He shows a dogged determination to take the puck off of his opponents, and battles every step of the way. McCann is a very well-rounded player already, and shows rare defensive maturity for a 17-year-old.
“Jared is a highly skilled and creative playmaker,” Edwards said. “He has excellent hands and puckhandling ability. He sees the ice very well and can get the puck through traffic with great saucer passes.
“He is not a guy who will always bring you out of your seat but is dangerous every shift and at the end of the game he will quietly have a goal and three assists. Jared is an excellent penalty killer, smart and reads the play very well.”
Highlights: