Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
As trade rumors swirl around Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann, reports suggest a new team could be in the mix for the winger.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked as a team looking to add rather than to sell, one name that has been on the trade block on Toronto’s end is forward Bobby McMann, with the 29-year-old being someone who could be dealt by the Leafs at the deadline.
McMann has 12 goals and 29 points in 52 games this season for the Leafs, a highly valuable commodity with a valuable $1.35M salary that he is in the final season of. Despite the Leafs goals to add to their team as they hunt for a playoff spot, McMann may prove to have too much value not to sell while he’s affordable.
Teams are reportedly hunting down McMann, and his bargain contract plays a big factor. David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’ shared some new information on the sweepstakes for McMann, including revealing two apparent frontrunners if McMann were to be moved.
It’s status quo right now between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Bobby McMann’s camp. This four-game roadtrip will likely determine what path the Leafs take leading up to the trade deadline and if McMann becomes available, several contenders, including the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, will come calling.
It was reported previously by Elliotte Friedman that the Oilers were on the radar as a potential landing spot for McMann if he is dealt, but the Toronto Maple Leafs focus remains on winning, despite having lost their last five games.
Toronto Maple Leafs not signaling McMann deal, but could be possible
The Toronto Maple Leafs have not indicated that Bobby McMann is up for sale, although listening to offers may be possible, the team isn’t wavering on contending even with their recent losing streak looming over them.
The belief from insider reports is that there isn’t a panic button being pushed by GM Brad Treliving just yet, which doesn’t mean the team is ready to be sellers, but it won’t force them into being desperation buyers either.
Toronto does also have to consider with McMann what a return may look like. If the Leafs are in the basement but still at risk of not being in last place.
They may begin to look at their current 2026 first, only top-five protected. It could bring a tanking Toronto to gain another first if possible in the event the Leafs original pick transfers over, which it would to Boston if sixth overall or lower.
The likelihood is that the Leafs get their potential trade affairs in order closer to the trade deadline, after the Olympics end and NHL play resumes. Toronto isn’t guaranteed to make any blockbuster deals, but it could have a more clear focus of where they are heading on the trade market.
If anything, a deal for McMann would make sense as an offseason sign-and-trade, which may net less value but still regain some assets by dealing a forward. If the Leafs continue to struggle and find themselves outside of a playoff, then the perspective may change to selling sooner rather than later.
As of right now, Bobby McMann plays a key part on the Leafs middle-six, and for a team still fighting to make the playoffs it’d be unlikely to see him dealt, but a further slide away from contention could complicate things.
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