As the 2026 Trade Deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be sellers after a tough 2025-26 campaign. They will likely be looking to shift their focus to the 2026-27 campaign and hoping they can get back to the playoffs next season, and could have some valuable trade chips to cash in on. One of those trade chips is forward Bobby McMann.
In this article, we take a look at five realistic trade destinations for McMann, ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.
Edmonton Oilers
The first team that makes perfect sense is the Edmonton Oilers, who have been loosely linked to McMann for a while, and have the cap space to make a deal work if the Maple Leafs are willing to retain half of his current contract.
Related: 5 Realistic Maple Leafs Trade Ideas Grounded in the Current Rumor Mill
The Oilers are in desperate need of forward depth scoring heading toward the postseason, and McMann helps them add some flexibility throughout their lineup. The Oilers have been the most connected team since McMann hit the rumour mill, and it would make sense if they’re the frontrunners to land him.
Los Angeles Kings
After losing Kevin Fiala to a major injury at the Olympics, the Los Angeles Kings will be trying to bolster their forward depth. They already made a monster acquisition, bringing in Artemi Panarin before the roster freeze, and with some extra cap space now, they can afford to bring in McMann.
The Kings could have an edge on other teams in terms of negotiating with the Maple Leafs, considering they wouldn’t need the Maple Leafs to retain any salary. On top of that, they do still have some solid future assets that the Maple Leafs would be interested in, which could also give them an edge over other teams.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights will be trying to make a push for their second Stanley Cup in their franchise’s history, and after landing superstar Mitchell Marner and extending him before the 2025-26 season, they made it clear they wanted to remain in contention for the next several seasons.
Adding a guy like McMann gives the Golden Knights some much-needed offensive depth going into the playoffs. The Golden Knights have proven they’re willing to be aggressive, so bringing in a guy like McMann proves their willingness to go all-in for a Stanley Cup, and if the Maple Leafs retain salary, it gives them more flexibility to acquire more players and become a true favourite out of the Western Conference.
San Jose Sharks
A bit of an unorthodox one, but the San Jose Sharks have surprisingly been competitive this season, and seem poised to make a late push for a playoff spot. After acquiring Kiefer Sherwood, it shows they’re willing to add pieces and are confident in their team, but adding McMann could make them a serious contender.
McMann has 32 points through 56 games this season, and while the Sharks haven’t exactly struggled to score goals, adding another offensive-minded forward who plays a physical game makes them a stronger team heading toward the postseason.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have been the strongest team in the league this season, and could be considered favourites heading into the postseason. They have been loosely connected to several different forwards, as they’re expected to make a push for a Stanley Cup, and adding scoring depth up front could be exactly the way to do that.
The Avalanche also have the assets to make a move, and while they are already considered the favourites in the Western Conference, adding a strong forward like McMann makes them even more dangerous.
All five of these teams make sense to acquire McMann at the trade deadline, if the Maple Leafs choose to trade him, but it is safe to assume other teams would also have interest in him, and it could be a hefty price tag to pay if he becomes available.
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