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Jared McCann | C/LW


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http://www.theprovince.com/sports/hockey/canucks-hockey/kuzma+mccann+looks+like+first+rounder/11377196/story.html

PRINCE GEORGE — It was far from just a training-camp scrimmage for Jared McCann on Sunday.

And maybe that’s why the Vancouver Canucks centre prospect played with jump in his stride, a chip on his shoulder and the kind of awareness that will accelerate his NHL learning curve.

Kept away from camp last year when he was diagnosed with mononucleosis, the 24th pick in the 2014 draft looked like a first-rounder as main camp concluded.

He drove the net hard and got away a tough falling-to-the-ice shot before linemate Hunter Shinkaruk roofed the rebound. He darted in and out of traffic, had a playmaking presence and was one of the best players on the ice.

“You have to always be on your game, no matter what,” said McCann. “They (management) are looking at you 24/7 to see who’s competing and who wants to make the team. And I want to be one of those guys.

“You have to show the team why you’re here and my line with Shinkaruk and (Mike) Zalewski, we took a while to get going but really got after it in the second and third periods.

“I feel last year I had a pretty bad break with the mono, and you want to prove that they didn’t make a mistake in drafting me.

“I thought I did a pretty good job today. My 200-foot game is better and I feel I’ve become a better overall player and can do that at the next level. And if I get called upon in the preseason, that would be awesome.”

McCann, 19, is expected to play in one or two exhibition games — and considering his setbacks, it’s a testament to his resolve.

After recovering from mononucleosis and piling up 81 points (34-47) in 54 games with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL, he was knocked out of the Summer Showcase in Calgary on Aug. 3, a springboard to Hockey Canada’s final world junior roster selection camp in December. He absorbed a heavy hit to the head early in the second period of Canada’s 4-1 victory over Russia and was sent to Vancouver for medical evaluation.

McCann had turned his head at centre ice to accept an outlet pass from Jeremy Roy when defenceman Nikita Zhuldkilov stepped up and put his left shoulder into the chin of the London, Ont. native. McCann slumped to the ice, and wound up with neck and shoulder pain. He didn’t start skating again until late August.

But all the adversity just made him more hungry.

“It’s probably maturity,” he said. “The mono takes away all your energy and you don’t really feel like doing much.

“I didn’t feel like I had mono last year and felt pretty energetic, but my spleen was pretty enlarged and they (doctors) didn’t want to take a chance with it — even though I really wanted to play. I didn’t feel normal until toward the end of the year.”

Canucks general manager Jim Benning liked what he saw Sunday.

“We know McCann is a skilled guy and has a good release on his shot, and for him to understand the speed and strength of players, it will be good for his development,” said Benning.

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Most won't admit it, but he sure has gone past Virtanen. Loved his game tonight.

Easily the most cerebral player we have on the puck. Works extremely hard despite his lower weight. If he was bigger this year he would make the team, but his one on one battles with Burns just showed he's gotta go back to junior this year I think. Vey is lucky to have another year to prove his NHL value, because next year McCann will be on this team, and could have had his spot this year.

His skills on the puck are Shinkaruk esque back in 2013-2014, I hope he doesn't get put in a position to grind away his hands like Shinky has been. We need him to be the 1/2 punch of the future with Horvat.

Favourite play was when he knocked that puck out of mid air at the blue line and came in with a hard wrister that almost beat Jones.

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Favourite play was when he knocked that puck out of mid air at the blue line and came in with a hard wrister that almost beat Jones.

Oh man, thanks for the flashback. I remember that play too, didn't know it was him though.

I didn't know who this kid was before today TBH.

Went from Mr. ItIsWhatItIs to Mr. BestPickInFiveYears real quick.

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A few posters are concerned about his strength, didn't we all hear about and remark on Sam can't do a chin up Bennet last year? McCann's positioning and iq make up for that just like Bennet. He was very good physically last night as well and fearless. Was always on the correct side of the puck and had some nice pk as well. Can't wait to see how a McCann-Boeser-Vitanen line will look like in the future.

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To me he already looks to be ahead of Vey.

I wonder if the team would actually keep him here ahead of Vey if each of their pre-season's continue trending like this.

I imagine if he keeps playing like this he might be the guy that gets the 9 game tryout. Makes a good reason for debate about Virtanen-McCann-Vey.
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Most won't admit it, but he sure has gone past Virtanen. Loved his game tonight.

Hard to compare cmen and wingers, but hes certainly level with Virt at this point. Vey better pick ot up, because mccaan stole his thunder last night. To be fair, mccaan has had quite a bit of game action, vey had his first last night

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If McCann had 15lbs more muscle, he'd be on the team with his play so far. Might get a ~9 game look.

Also...

McCann or Horvat could both be our #1 / #2 centres in the mold of the 2011 Bruins. Their play will decide which is playing where.

Uhhh... That's hilariously optimistic.

McCann plays like Kesler but with more natural offensive talent. Kesler was/is basically a 1b centre. All that's stopping him is some hard work between now and 'then'.

Unless you're referring to Horvat... That kid's a gamer.

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If McCann had 15lbs more muscle, he'd be on the team with his play so far. Might get a ~9 game look.

Also...

If McCann had 15lbs more muscle, he'd be on the team with his play so far. Might get a ~9 game look.

Also...

I was pleasantly surprised at how physical he played last night and, for a kid on the slight side, he was pretty strong. Before last night I was on the "needs more physical development" bus with you, but he's quickly changing my mind. If he continues to show what he has so far, I can't see him not sticking this year. Down the road, he has #1 cman written all over him.

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