Canucks select Jared McCann with the 24th overall pick at NHL Draft
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With the 24th overall pick of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks selected Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Jared McCann.
The Canucks acquired the pick earlier Friday from Anaheim as part of the Ryan Kesler deal. Vancouver also held the sixth pick in the draft, selecting forward Jake Virtanen.
#Canucks Connection: McCann and Virtanen have played together twice, most recently on Canada's U18 team last April.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 28, 2014
Falling just outside the top tier of center prospects, McCann is an intriguing selection. McCann matured into a leader at both ends of the ice in his second season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and while his game is rarely flashy, he possesses the talent and vision to make defenders pay for giving him too much room.
"McCann is a smart, two-way player with a great release who can play in all zones. At 24th, we were surprised he was there" - Benning
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 28, 2014
Here's a look at his highlights from this past season:
McCann's offensive inconsistency and lack of pro-level physicality are his biggest drawbacks, but his surprisingly powerful shot, playmaking intelligence and defensive awareness all offset those concerns. He played in all situations against the toughest opposition for a division-winning team as a 17-year-old.
McCann is more of a long-term prospect that should have at least one more junior season ahead of him to mature physically and develop the dominant offensive game he seems capable of playing.