Blackhawks Should Kick the Tires on an Under-Appreciated Scorer

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Blackhawks Should Kick the Tires on an Under-Appreciated Scorer

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated May 12, 2026 8:22 PM ET

One of the greatest knocks on Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson thus far is his lack of executing on impact trades. The team has taken on cap dumps and used the draft capital to improve the pipeline, but taking a big swing on a player that can help the team now and into the future has yet to occur. Fans are hoping this is the summer he can make that happen, but there is still no guarantee.

If Kyle Davidson can’t make the big swing for say a Matthew Knies, Jason Robertson, or Brady Tkachuk, there are still names that can help improve the roster. There are some other notable names that I wrote about here that make plenty of sense, but there is another name that I’ve personally liked a lot. According to reports, he might be available as well.

According to reports from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen, Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann is on the short list of players the Kraken appear to be willing to move. He has one year remaining on his contract, set to make $5 million against the cap, and will enter his age-30 season. However, the guy knows how to put the puck in the back of the net.

Jared McCann’s Production is There

The 2025-26 season was a down season due to injury, but McCann has posted at least 50 points in every other season since he arrived in Seattle via the Expansion Draft. In just 52 games this past season, McCann still posted 20 goals and 40 points. In the rest of his time with Seattle, he’s posted 20+ goals, including a 40-goal season back in 2022-23.

McCann may not fit the Blackhawks timeline beyond the next few seasons, but in a time where they still need to make the cap floor, and desperately need additional scoring, McCann feels like a logical fit. This move likely only happens if Davidson swings and misses on the big fishes first, but its an opportunity at least worthy of exploring.

As of now, the addition of two impact forwards looks bleak because of the NHL Draft Lottery results and the difficulty for adding impact players via trade. If the Blackhawks are forced to take a defenseman at the No. 4 overall pick, then looking to McCann as an option to help Connor Bedard next season isn’t as crazy as it may seem.

Again, this isn’t a franchise saving move by any means. However, McCann has still got it. He can score, and the Blackhawks need more guys who can do that. Andre Burakovsky is likely a buy out candidate. Teuvo Teravainen’s future looks bleak as well. There will still be a need for some worthy veterans on the roster. A guy who has potted 40 goals in the last few years is certainly an appealing addition if you ask me.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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