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Columbus Blue Jackets: Jared McCann at 16?

June 1, 2014, 10:58 AM ET [5 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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The 2014 NHL Entry Draft is less than a month away, which means it's time to start looking at potential targets for the Blue Jackets.

One name that stands out as a possibility with the 16th pick is Soo Greyhounds center Jared McCann. While it's possible he goes a few picks earlier, there stands a decent chance he's available for taking at that pick, should Jarmo Kekalainen decide to take him.

Having scouted the OHL the past few years and seen him play numerous times, I can safely say he's one of the top two-way centerman in this year's class.

While the Blue Jackets seem pretty set down the middle with Ryan Johansen, Brandon Dubinsky and Boone Jenner, I'm a big believer in drafting the best player available. If McCann is there at 16, you could make a good argument he is just that.

The book on McCann from a recent scouting report I wrote for TheHockeyGuys:

Strengths – Jared McCann is one of the best two-way forwards in this year’s draft class. He’s a very good skater who reaches top speed in a hurry, and is the definition of a 200-foot player. He’s strong on the back check, is always back to be an outlet for his defenseman and is excellent on the penalty kill. McCann has a high hockey IQ, understands his responsibilities on the ice and is always in position defensively. With the puck, he reads plays exceptionally well and has good vision with the puck. He regularly sets up his teammates using his vision and good playmaking ability. McCann possesses good puck handling skills and uses them create chances for himself or get a lane to utilize his high-end wrist shot, which is both powerful and accurate. He’s relentless in pursuit of the puck, and when it’s on his stick good things tend to happen.


As I mentioned, there's a chance McCann goes a little higher than 16, but he projects to be a mid-round pick so it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility he's there for the Blue Jackets to take.

I believe Kekalainen also uses the draft philosophy of taking the best player available, so if McCann is still available it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Blue Jackets pluck him off the board.

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