There is 0 reason McCann shouldn’t be protected. As much as i love Tanev McCann is better, younger, and on a better contract. If they leave him exposed would put us in a pretty bad spot.
It's the inconsistency. He's not 22 anymore. It's been the same story for like 7 years with him. Some flashes...the fans go ...oh he's good.... and then just dead space.
Maybe one day he'll figure it out. But he's had 3 years in PIT to really stand out. He hasn't. He's a 3rd line winger. It is what it is.