NHL Draft 2014: Vancouver Canucks select Jared McCann with No. 24 overall pick

McCann, 18, is a left-handed shooting centerman who has spent the last two seasons playing for the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 OHL priority draft, McCann has registered 106 points in 128 career OHL regular season games. He accumulated career-high totals in all three primary offensive categories last season, finishing with 27 goals, 35 assists and 62 points in 64 games.

Listed at 6’1, 176 pounds, McCann is described as a hockey-smart two-way center with playmaking ability by the ISS. He finished the year ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the ISS year-end evaluation and is considered the second best two-way center in this year’s draft class:

McCann enters this year’s draft as one of the top two way centers available. His offensive skills and skating ability alone could push him into a first round selection. However, the strongest part of his game is his defensive hockey. McCann was truly a double threat in the OHL this year. He produced at nearly a point per game pace as well as being one of the top defensive forwards in the league. McCann may not be the biggest player to match up against but he is one of the toughest to play against. Pressures pucks relentlessly and competes at a high level in his own zone. He provides good puck support all over the ice and thinks the game well. Defensively responsible center that can score timely goals.

McCann has represented Canada internationally on three separate occasions, including the 2013-14 U18 World Junior Championship and the Hlinka Memorial Tournament.