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Jared McCann is yet another member of Team Canada’s Hlinka winning squad from 2013, and is headed to the 2014 U18 World Championships to represent his country. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds centre was drafted fourth overall in the 2012 OHL draft and began making an immediate impact in the Greyhounds lineup in his rookie year. He’s followed that up with a solid sophomore season, scoring 27 goals and 62 points in 64 games for the Greyhounds and adding seven points in nine playoff games before the Greyhounds were eliminated by Connor McDavid and the Erie Otters in the second round. He’s heavily relied upon, playing huge minutes, in all situations for his Sault Ste. Marie team.

Jared McCann

Centre — shoots Left

Born May 31 1996 — London, ONT

Height 6.00 — Weight 174 [183 cm/79 kg]

Jared McCann is an excellent skater. He has great acceleration and very good top end speed. He is amongst the quickest players in this draft class. His ability to change speeds can be used to fool defenders, he loves to turn up the speed at the last second and cut to the middle of the ice, leaving an often flat-footed defender in his wake. McCann combines this with good agility and edgework, along with top notch stick-handling which makes him incredibly dangerous off the rush. He also has very good balance, and is strong on his skates, making him very difficult to knock off the puck, helping him in board battles, and allowing McCann to fight through checks to get to the front of the net.

McCann has excellent vision and passing skills, and the ability to make his linemates better. He cycles extremely well waiting for teammates to find an opening, and then hitting them with the pass. If given an opening he is willing to take the puck through the high traffic areas and to the front of the net. McCann also has a quick shot, and can get it off very quickly, with a very good release. He is willing to battle in front of the net and in the corners, and plays a gritty game.

McCann has already developed a strong-two way game and has become a strong penalty killer for the Greyhounds, as well as the centre who plays against the other team’s best line every night. He brings his non-stop work ethic in all three zones, and is extremely gritty. He shows a dogged determination to take the puck off of his opponents, and battles every step of the way. McCann is a very well-rounded player already, and shows rare defensive maturity for a 17-year-old.

Stylistically, McCann can be compared to Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins. Remember that this is just a style comparison and not a talent one. In terms of potential, his ceiling is likely to be a second line centre who can play against the other team’s top line every night, while still contributing in the offensive end of the ice.

Here are some highlights of Jared McCann in action.

Check back tomorrow for my #13 ranked prospect.

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