The Leafs may have found a deadline ‘cheat code’ with McMann and Laughton
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The Toronto Maple Leafs may have the solution in determining the futures of Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann.
Recent news on the trade front regarding Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann that may drive further incentive to potentially deal the two forwards.
A report from TSN’s Chris Johnston on “The CJ Show” stated that the Toronto Maple Leafs would find substantial value in both forwards if they were to retain salary.
While not surprising, Johnston makes a notable point that a deal for either at 50% retained would be for under minimum. McMann would fit in a team at $675K annually.
Laughton would pay $750k, his $3M salary for 2025-26 already having been retaine 50% by the Philadelphia Flyers in the deal that brought him to Toronto last trade deadline.
Retention could make the Leafs happy sellers after subpar season
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already seen an empty trade market give them a potential boost, something that appears would only go farther if the Leafs are willing to give a team some relief.
McMann, already being looked at as a forward who Toronto is aiming to net a first round pick, retention could get that done, and perhaps a bit more. Even 25% retained may still help sweeten a deal for a cap-tight team.
Further positive for the Leafs is that even with trading one or both of McMann or Laughton, it doesn’t preclude them from adding, but does bring their cap space into doubt.
Toronto has said their goal is to be active, something Leafs GM Brad Treliving has maintained is continuous in terms of looking at trade options, but a first for depth could have the Leafs considering buying and selling.
No one knows what the Toronto Maple Leafs want to do, but all indications are that Treliving doesn’t want to a sell, and if he’s serious, even a first rounder may not be enticing enough to move an important part of his offense in McMann.
For a team like Tpronto whose season has been turbulent, the trade deadline could be just as chaotic as their season itself.
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The Leafs may have found a deadline ‘cheat code’ with McMann and Laughton
Is retaining 50% of Bobby McMann’s contract worth acquiring a first round pick?