SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers made their first big splash of what is expected to be an exciting offseason on Wednesday night, sending defenseman Erik Gudbranson and a 2016 fifth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for center Jared McCann, a 2016 second-round pick and a 2016 fourth-round pick.
McCann, 19, was a first-round selection, 24th overall, by the Canucks in the 2014 NHL Draft. After compiling 81 points (34-47—81) in 56 games with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the 6-foot, 180-pound native of Stratford, Ontario jumped right from junior hockey into Vancouver’s lineup, recording 18 points (9-9—18) in 69 games as a rookie last season.