> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Analysis: Entering Contract Year With Kraken, What’s Jared McCann’s Long-Term Future Look Like? - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/seattle-kraken-jared-mccann-long-term-future-contract-year/ - Published: 2026-07-22T17:30:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:10:54.000Z - Author: Josh Frojelin - Tags: Analysis, Kraken, Jared McCann \[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="3325"\] ![ Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann (19) skates after the puck in the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/2026-03-05t045523z_1525156482_mt1usatoday28403755_rtrmadp_3_nhl-st-louis-blues-at-seattle-kraken-jpg-format-original.jpg) Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann (19) skates after the puck in the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images \[/caption\] A great goal-scoring winger, Jared McCann has flourished in an increased role since he joined the Seattle Kraken in their inaugural season. Over the last four seasons, he’s scored at a minimum of a 60-point pace. McCann even scored 40 goals four seasons ago. But as an unrestricted free agent next offseason, his return to the Emerald City beyond the 2026-27 season remains uncertain. On the wing, the Kraken also have captain Jordan Eberle, recently-acquired Mackie Samoskevich, recently re-signed Bobby McMann, Kaapo Kakko, and top youngster Berkly Catton, creating a log-jam at the position. Besides Eberle, McCann is the oldest of that group. He’s also the only winger without a contract beyond next season. Catton could eventually move back to center, but is best suited as a winger as of now. During [his exit interview](https://www.nhl.com/kraken/video/topic/mccannexit0417-6393321034112?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com), McCann emphasized that he’s trying to help Seattle’s less experienced players, and that leadership may help his cause seeking another contract with the franchise. “The young guys, I’m trying to help them as much as possible,” McCann said. “Tried to help them as much as I could this year, with growing. I feel like they’re a huge part of this organization moving forward. They’re gonna be the stepping stones to whatever happens \[in the future\].” The Kraken did not make any significant additions this offseason outside of trading for Samoskevich, a former Stanley Cup winner with the Panthers. The roster is already weak at center, and they’re rumored to be looking for a trade partner for former fourth-overall pick [Shane Wright](https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/seattle-kraken-shane-wright-trade-replacement-options/). Compared to their Pacific Division rivals, the Kraken lack the elite talent and consistent playoff experience of the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, and lack the elite young talent of the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. The Los Angeles Kings still made the playoffs last season, even though Kevin Fiala missed the last 26 games of the season. That doesn’t seem like an ideal place to be in. Keeping that in mind, the Kraken could sell at the 2027 NHL trade deadline if out of the playoff race at that point, which McCann knows. The 30-year-old noted that losing leads to organizational shakeups, similar to April’s departure of former general manager Ron Francis. “When you lose, year after year, things change,” McCann said. As a former 40-goal scorer, McCann would have a ton of value at the trade deadline if the team decides to move him and isn’t in contention next spring. Artemi Panarin is the most-recent former 40-goal scorer to be traded under similar circumstances. At 34 years old, he fetched a former first-round pick and two mid-rounders. McMann, who the Kraken acquired for a second and fourth-rounder, is a similarly skilled and quick goal-scoring winger. But, he lacks the track record of a McCann. It would be fair to assume that McCann fetches more than McMann did at the last trade deadline for that reason. McCann, who missed significant time with a lower-body injury last season, was on pace for a 31-goal and 62-point season. That injury shouldn’t impact his trade value, so long as he keeps up his scoring next season. Among players on expiring deals, McCann is one of the highest scorers. Detroit Red Wings winger Alex DeBrincat and Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly are the only pending UFAs from non-playoff teams with more points last season. McCann isn’t an empty calorie scorer either. His even-strength impacts offensively and defensively are significant. He would be a worthwhile addition to a contending team looking to add offense and all-around solid play in their top-9. Given McCann’s goal-scoring talent, his two-way impacts, and the seemingly few available top-six forwards; McCann could earn a first-round pick and more at the trade deadline. Those are meaningful assets to build around the core of young forwards and defense prospect [Chase Reid](https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/content/files/2026/10/nhl-draft-seattle-kraken-defense-much-needed-overhaul-chase-reid.html). For the Kraken and general manager Jason Botterill, trading McCann would be a significant loss. He’s one of few remaining original expansion draft picks on the roster, beloved by fans, and the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points. But such a move could add significant assets for a rebuild or retool that the organization likely needs. There’s also no way of knowing whether the veteran winger would want to extend beyond next season, even with his affinity for the franchise up to this point. McCann and the Kraken missed the playoffs the last three seasons and have only one above-.500 season in franchise history, so wanting to play for a contender could sway his thought process on that front. Still months away from the start of the new season, how Seattle ultimately starts in year two of the Lane Lambert era will likely determine the course of action with veterans such as McCann. If the Kraken pull out of the gate with a positive start, then moving him may no longer be the best option and revisiting an extension could be on the table. If they falter, however, he will be the first name other teams will inquire about and the best chance to net quality draft picks in return.