Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs plans for Bobby McMann have come into greater focus according to a new report and the next few games are going to be a huge factor.
According to reporter Nick Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to give the decision on Bobby McMann’s future some time as the Leafs see how the return from break plays out.
Kypreos says that it is the next three games that could decide if McMann is dealt, but reports that McMann’s value isn’t what some would have hoped.
A highly appealing player because he’s on track for a career offensive season, McMann skates well and his $1.35-million cap hit will easily fit in with any team’s salary structure. McMann is a pending UFA so he will be viewed as a rental player for now.
What will the Leafs get back for McMann? It’s debatable what his price tag is.
A lot of people have talked about Toronto getting a first-rounder back, but one Western Conference team told me they just don’t view him as a legitimate top-six guy.
He can play in the top-six, but some teams just don’t see him as a surefire player in that position.
Kypreos reports similarly to a recent report last week from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta that a deal for McMann will likely not gain Toronto a first round pick, a deal projected to net potentially two second round picks.
McMann, 29, has 19 goals, 13 assists, and 32 points in 56 games this season for the Leafs, projected to hit career high totals in all categories.
What makes the Leafs decision on Bobby McMann clear
The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be decided by their next three games on Bobby McMann’s future, but it’s an uncertain scenario that McMann would re-sign by the deadline.
Toronto would hope for reassurance that McMann wants to stay a Leaf to not move him, but further losses for the Leafs as they resume play may have them deciding to move McMann, regardless of where extension talks are at.
As Kypreos noted, other players could be on the way out as well if Toronto isn’t able to push into a playoff spot, and it could see a few players dealt between now and the deadline on March 6th.
Defenseman Brandon Carlo is one player who has had his name pop up in recent trade rumors, and could be one of multiple players out the door for the Leafs depending on the next few games.
Toronto, who lacks picks, may be entertaining the idea of adding futures with a lack of picks and prospects, with their own 2026 first round pick transferring to Boston if outside of the top five.
The next few days could see the end of Bobby McMann, or him locked up as a Maple Leaf for the next few years but only time will tell.
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1 HOUR AGO|10 ANSWERS
The next three games could decide whether Brad Treliving moves the Maple Leafs’ top trade chip
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