McCann skates with Kraken, likely remains out for Game 3 against Stars

SEATTLE --Jared McCann skated with the Seattle Kraken on Saturday for the first time since sustaining an undisclosed injury April 24, wearing a no-contact jersey at an optional practice.

The forward probably will not play against the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference Second Round at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday (9:30 p.m. ET; TBS, SN, TVAS) with the best-of-7 series tied.

"I don't believe tomorrow night is a possibility," Kraken coach Dave Hakstol said. "We'll take it one step at a time. He's going to jump back in at a very high level, so first things first. We've got to make sure his health is where it needs to be, and then he's got to be ready to get into lineup, and it's a step-by-step process."

McCann was injured on a hit by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar in Game 4 of the first round. Makar received a minor penalty for interference and a one-game suspension. The Kraken won the best-of-7 series in seven games.

RELATED: [Complete Stars vs. Kraken series coverage]

Hakstol declined to identify the injury. He said McCann has been going through "injury protocol" and skated on his own a couple of times before joining his teammates.

"I don't really have an update other than the fact that he's on the ice and he's able to be out there with the optional skate today, which is a really good step for him," Hakstol said. "We'll just continue progressing. Nothing imminent in terms of return."

The Kraken have had 15 goal-scorers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs without a goal from McCann, who led them in goals (40) and points (70) in the regular season. He had one assist against the Avalanche before his injury.

"Obviously, he's a big part of this offense with the amount of goals that he's scored," Kraken forward Jordan Eberle said. "We rely on our depth, and I think that's kind of what's carried us with his absence. But just getting him back and then added on to what we're doing, it's a big piece. Hopefully, we get him back soon."

Tye Kartye has two goals in five games in McCann's spot on the left wing with Eberle and center Matty Beniers.

The forward, who turned 22 on Sunday, led American Hockey League rookies in scoring in the regular season with 57 points (28 goals, 29 assists) in 72 games for Coachella Valley.

He scored in his NHL debut, a 3-2 win against the Avalanche in Game 5 of the first round. He also scored in a 4-2 loss to the Stars in Game 2 of this series.

"Now, he's got to continue to raise that level," Hakstol said. "The stakes continue to get higher and higher. But he's handled himself very well, off the ice, on the ice. Even though he's a young man, he's shown to be a good pro, and he can play with detail. That's a real important area, especially at this time of year."