According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, if the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to trade forward Bobby McMann, it means they’ve likely decided to cut bait on the season. While admitting the Edmonton Oilers are among the teams that might be interested, the Maple Leafs might be seeking a first-round pick and more for the versatile forward.
The Maple Leafs Aren’t Sure What to Do With McMann
Dreger noted that McMann is coveted heading into this year’s deadline. “He can fly. He can keep pace. So I can appreciate why Edmonton would be talking about the idea of Bobby McMann, because he’d tick a lot of boxes.” Dreger added that the price is high. “His game is to skate, forecheck, and he gets timely goals. He can be productive.”
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But for the Maple Leafs, the concern is that McMann might be looking at a $5 million extension over the summer, and Toronto’s situation doesn’t scream running to the negotiating table to sign that deal.
That leaves the team in a tricky spot. First, if the ask is a first-rounder and more, how many teams are willing to spend that on a 30-year-old whose career high is 34 points? Supply and demand might determine if a team is willing to overpay. The market is a bit limited in players who play like McMann and the need from contenders often leads to trade returns that seem out of the ordinary.
“He’s that good,” said the NHL insider.
But what if that return isn’t there? Will the Maple Leafs be willing to move McMann anyway? The risk is knowing he could leave in the summer for nothing, and not getting a second-rounder, a prospect, or other picks seems like careless asset management.
Not Committing to McMann Means Maple Leafs Cutting Bait on the Season
Dreger said GM Brad Treliving will have to make tough decisions on all his pending UFAs. And the organization has plenty of players for whom hard choices might be required. However, moving McMann might signal the start of the team cutting bait on the season and realizing there’s no hope left of making the playoffs.
Dreger acknowledged that other trades could be made, but when McMann goes, that’s likely a sign that Treliving has embraced the idea of a retool.
Former NHL player Jamie McLennan suggested the Leafs need to decide in the next few games whether they want to stay in the muddy middle or retool and become buyers or sellers at the deadline. It is time to decide that this year is not the Maple Leafs’ year and that Toronto might have to move pieces to start again fresh in 2026-27.
McMann could be the triggerman on that retool. So, will it be the Oilers or another team that steps and makes a pitch for McMann? And, if that happens, how many trades follow in Toronto? McMann’s move could open the floodgates for other deals.
