"Jared is a good offensive player who can play center or wing," said Rutherford. "We saw improvement in his play this year and feel that there is more upside to his game."
McCann, 24, is coming off a 2019-20 season in which he set career highs in assists (21), points (35) and power-play points (6) in 66 games. Last season, McCann's assist (21) and point (35) totals ranked sixth on the Penguins, while his four game-winning goals ranked second (tied).
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward also suited up for three Stanley Cup Playoff games in Pittsburgh's 2020 Qualifying Round series versus Montreal, picking up an assist.
Since being acquired from Florida on February 1, 2019, the Stratford, Ontario native has recorded 25 goals, 27 assists and 52 points in 98 games with the Penguins. Among Pittsburgh skaters during that span, McCann's goals and points rank fifth and sixth, respectively. Additionally, his five game-winning goals are tied for third in that time frame.
Over the course of his career split between Pittsburgh, Florida and Vancouver, McCann has tallied 123 points (52G-71A) in 310 games and is a career plus-9.
McCann was originally chosen by the Canucks in the first round (24th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. In his lone season with Vancouver in 2015-16, McCann recorded 18 points (9G-9A) in 69 games.
Prior to turning pro, McCann played three years of junior hockey with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, including two seasons with teammate Matt Murray.
McCann represented his home country of Canada at the 2019 World Championship and 2014 Under-18 World Junior Championship, helping the Canadians win silver and bronze medals, respectively.
