Had he gone unprotected in the expansion draft, McCann no doubt would have made a tempting target for the Seattle Kraken due to his shot, speed, age, defensive acumen and versatility.
The trade also opens up some cap space for the locals. McCann earned $2.94 million. Hallander will earn $764 K at the big-league level.
A former first-round pick, McCann, 25, is coming off an excellent season for the black-and-gold. Skating at both center and left wing, he tallied 14 goals and 32 points in 43 games to go with a plus-17, tops among the team’s forwards. He paced the Pens with seven power-play goals.
The Stratford, Ontario, native was particularly effective skating next to late-season acquisition Jeff Carter. Ironically, it was Carter’s presence that may have encouraged Hextall to move McCann. That, and Jared’s paucity of postseason production (three assists in 12 career playoff games).
A second-round pick of the Pens in 2018 who was shipped to Toronto in the Kasperi Kapanen deal last fall, Hallander is reputed to play a power game and has some promise. This past season the 6’1” 190-pounder tied for third in goal scoring with Lulea of the Swedish Hockey League with 13, one behind the club leaders.
“We are excited to add Filip back to the organization,” said Hextall when announcing the deal. “He is a well-rounded player with good size who plays the game the right way. We are grateful to Jared for his contributions to the team and wish him the best.”
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