Saturday morning, Dave Hakstol indicated both players were projected to be in uniform Saturday night against the Capitals. Saturday afternoon, the Kraken announced Schwartz and McCann have been activated to the 23-man roster, coming off Injured Reserve.
In a corresponding move, forward Austin Czarnik was placed on waivers. If not claimed in the 24-hour waiver period, he could potentially be reassigned to American Hockey League affiliate Charlotte. The Kraken picked up Czarnik Feb. 8 via waivers from the New York Islanders. He has appeared in six games for Seattle, notching two assists.
Schwartz, one of the Kraken's big free-agent signings on the first day of NHL free agency last summer, registered six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 29 games before a hand injury prompted team doctors to opt for surgery to repair it. Schwartz has been skating regularly and, with his skill set as a passer and shooting, is likely to produce offense starting Saturday.
The veteran won a Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019, serving as a primary goal scorer during the run. He plays an impressive two-game, contributing as an elite forechecker (winning back the puck in the offensive zone) and brings tenacious net-front presence that coach Dave Hakstol and assistant Paul McFarland (responsible for the forwards and power play) are eager to welcome back.
McCann has emerged as scoring leader for the Kraken with 21 goals ad 12 assists in 48 games. His game features an elite shot (and not afraid to use) that in part has generated seven power play goals and formidable work as two-way forward who can play center or wing. As impressively, since fan favorite Brandon Tanev was sidelined with season-ending knee injury, McCann, 25, has emerged a vocal leader who revs up his teammates at all points of the game, including in the team's walk from tunnel to the ice.
