SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced that forward Jared McCann has been loaned to the Panthers' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, in the wake of forward Nick Bjugstad being activated off of injured reserve.

 "Jared has played very well for us this season, especially on our recent road trip, and is a big part of our future," Tallon said. "He will be able to receive significant playing time, including special teams opportunities, in the AHL, which will allow him to continue to develop into a top-six NHL forward with the Panthers."   

The 20-year old McCann has played 17 games with Florida this season, recording three points (1-2-3). The 6-foot-1, 198-pound native of Stratford, Ontario has played 86 career NHL games for Florida (2016-17) and Vancouver (2015-16), recording 21 points (10-11-21). 

McCann played his junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he put up 187 points in 184 career junior games. He is a former first round, 24th overall draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2014 NHL Draft.

McCann and the Thunderbirds play host to the Hershey Bears at the MassMutual Center on Friday, Nov. 25 for No-Shave November promoting men's prostate cancer awareness. The night, presented by Baystate Health and Health New England, will feature the MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series and Dollar Night deals on hot dogs, soda and popcorn. Puck drop against the Bears is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).