Bobby McMann-Maple Leafs talks hinge on term vs cap hit as extension framework takes shape
Hockey Patrol has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
A new report suggests the Toronto Maple Leafs have penty of time to get Bobby McMann signed to a contract extension
According to a report from David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’, while talks have been ongoing between Toronto and McMann’s agent, the view is that there is time for a deal to come into place.
Toronto is engaged in ongoing contract talks with forward Bobby McMann, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Maple Leafs and McMann’s camp have an open line of communication, and both sides say there’s plenty of time to iron out a deal. We’ll see where this goes ahead of the deadline.
Pagnotta has also reportedly separately that a deal for Bobby McMann could end up in the five-year range at around $5M annually, a hefty raise from his current salary of $1.35M, but noted that the AAV could end up lower with an extra year added on to his new deal.
What the report means for McMann and the Leafs deadline plans
The report from David Pagnotta indicates that there’s a lack of immediate need to extend McMann, which could mean that Toronto is intent on keeping the 29-year-old, despite what could be competitive trade offers.
On the flip side, it could also mean Toronto is keeping contract talks open and not lock down McMann while listening to offers on the trade market.
Whatever the case, it would imply that Toronto is willing to wait out until the deadline on McMann’s next contract, but that talks are progressing, although at what stage they may be at aren’t entirely clear.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs remain out of a playoff spot by the trade deadline, it makes all the likelier for the Leafs to move McMann to build up assets. Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Toronto could acquire assets to flip said assets to add roster options.
The issue for the Toronto Maple Leafs would appear to be that they’re still analyzing where rhey are as a team, and if they want to be buyers or sellers, or both.
Where the Leafs end up by the trade deadline could decide if Bobby McMann remains a Leaf beyond March 6th or not.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|33 ANSWERS
Bobby McMann-Maple Leafs talks hinge on term vs cap hit as extension framework takes shape
Should the Leafs focus be on trading McMann or re-signing him?