McCann Moves On From Makar Hit. Will Kraken Fans?

Jared McCann Missed Last Half Of Colorado Playoff Series

Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann is more forgiving than his team's fan base, over the hit which caused him to miss several playoff games.

As a refresher, during Game 4 of their opening round series, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche delivered this late hit on McCann.

The NHL Department of Player Safety issued Makar a one-game suspension, because "McCann is in no way eligible to be checked on this play. Makar finishes this hit well outside the allowable window."

As DoPS explained in its ruling, "Significantly after McCann had released the shot, Makar delivers a shoulder check that puts him into the boards, causing him to fall to the ice and causing an injury."

Kraken fans at Climate Pledge Arena responded with impressively coordinated boos whenever Makar touched the puck for the rest of Game 4, and again in Game 6. At the time, Makar told reporters, "I'm not trying to hurt anybody."

Despite losing their 40-goal, 70-point forward, the Kraken went on to upset the Avalanche in seven games. McCann remained sidelined until Game 4 of Seattle's second round series with the Dallas Stars.

Reflecting on the hit this week, McCann charitably told podcast host Luke Gazdic, "Things went a little wonky for me."

Asked by Gazdic if Makar had reached out, McCann said, "I haven't talked to him. It's playoff hockey. I get it. I'm not going to hold it against anybody or anything like that."

Since Makar and the Avalanche provide the opposition at this year's home opener Oct. 17, we'll see if Kraken fans are similarly forgiving.