Jared McCann could be a strong solution for the New Jersey Devils

The Devils could use another impact forward and insurance down the middle of the ice. McCann checks both boxes.

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The New Jersey Devils don’t have many glarring needs but, like any team, there are always aspects that could be improved.

They could use a better insurance policy at center and they could use another established top-6 forward.

The Devils would be more than fine entering the season with the forward core as currently constructed but, if they truly want to contend for a Stanley Cup next spring, they probably need to make a move for another impactful forward.

One player who could beautifully check the necessary boxes is Jared McCann, who may be available.

David Pagnotta of TheFourthPeriod appeared on the Sekeres and Price podcast and suggested a) McCann’s name popped up at the deadline and; b) the Kraken are still open to moving him.

Chris Johnston also fuelled that fire on his own show.

Why does McCann make sense for the Devils? Let’s get into it.

Checking boxes ✅

Last season the Devils struggled to score goals at 5v5 for the entirety of the 2nd half. Plugging McCann into the lineup would be one way to ensure that isn’t the case again.

McCann scored 91 goals over the last three years, a healthy chunk of which came during 5v5 play.

He ranked 22nd in 5v5 goals in that span, tying him with Filip Forsberg and besting the likes of Mark Scheifele, Leon Draisaitl(!), Jake Guentzel, and Matt Boldy, among many others. He can score in bulk.

Sticking him on the wing of Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier – both of whom are fantastic playmakers – would be a nice way to supercharge the offense when everyone’s at full health.

Perhaps just as importantly, McCann’s presence would have the Devils better equipped to survive if and when injuries arise to either of the team’s top two centers.

McCann has played more wing than center at the NHL level but McCann was drafted as a center.

While he’s not effective in the dot, he has taken hundreds of faceoffs in seven of his 10 NHL seasons. Playing center in the NHL is hardly foreign to him.

McCann is known more as a finisher than a passer but he also possesses strong playmaking ability, puck skills, and – like Hughes and Hischier – is very dangerous off the rush.

He could fill in as a top-6 center if needed and help drive the offense for his line, which is something the Devils are used to getting out of their centers.

In short, McCann would give the Devils another quality top-6 winger (as it stands, Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt are the only undispited T6 wingers they have) while doubling as a center insurance policy if anything happens to Hughes or Hischier.

Fitting like a glove 🧤