McLean grew up in the small northern Ontario town of Kirkland Lake and played Midget AAA hockey for the New Liskeard Cubs.

[citation needed] After his four seasons at Norwich, McLean signed as an undrafted free-agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005.

Called up to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from the Wheeling Nailers during the 2005–06 season, he played 32 games and finished second in total points with 54; third in goals scored with 22; and with a plus/minus of +14.

He helped the Penguins win the Eastern Conference Championship and finished third on the team in playoff scoring with 19 points (4 goals and 15 assists).

McLean signed a one-year contract with the Vienna Capitals of the EBEL as a free agent on July 31, 2015.