Insider predicts Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann will be traded to Oilers at deadline – The Hockey Writers Toronto Maple Leafs Latest News, Analysis & More

The trade rumors between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers aren’t going away anytime soon. In the latest edition of his ‘NHL trade matchmaker’ series for The Athletic, insider Chris Johnston went one step further. He predicted that Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann will be traded to the Oilers before the March 6 trade deadline.

Related: Maple Leafs & Kings could emerge as trade partners after Fiala’s injury

It’s a prediction that makes a lot of sense when you look at where both teams are. Toronto is leaning toward selling, while Edmonton is clearly all-in after coming up just short the past two seasons.

McMann predicted he would be extradited to oil companies

According to Johnston, the Oilers are looking for a player to round out their top nine. McMann checks a lot of those boxes. He has already scored 19 goals this season and brings a tough, physical game that suits top talent. Johnston also noted that there won’t be a new 20-goal scorer available at this deadline with a cap as low as McMann’s.

Here’s what Johnston had to say: (‘NHL trade matchmaker: predicting where top targets will go at the deadline, part 5’, The athletic, February 11, 2026)

There will be no other goal scorer available at this deadline with more than 20 players demanding a cap below the league’s minimum salary. But the Leafs can get him there with full retention. There is a premium charged for this, but part of being all-in is doing whatever it takes to increase your chances of winning.

While certainly not the most important part of this equation, McMann is an Albertan who grew up a few hours outside of Edmonton in Wainwright. It’s conceivable he could be more than just a mercenary, if the fit is right. He showed in Toronto that he can get the puck in front of very skilled linemates and play wherever you need him in the lineup.

McMann wears one Cap hit of $1.35 million. If the Maple Leafs keep half, it drops to $675,000. For a team like Edmonton battling the cap, that’s a pretty ideal situation. Johnston believes the Oilers would be willing to pay a premium because they know this is their chance to win.

Will the oil companies pay the reported asking price?

Reports suggested Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is asking for a first-round pick in exchange for McMann. That’s no small question. If Edmonton isn’t willing to part with a first-rounder, the return could shift to multiple second-round selections with a prospect, or even a highly sought-after prospect instead.

Related: How the Maple Leafs’ Shana Plan went off the rails

There’s also the Alberta connection to think about. McMann is from Wainwright, just a few hours outside of Edmonton. It wouldn’t be the main reason to make a transaction, but it does add an extra layer. If the fit works, he might not just be an assassin. The Oilers could consider extending him instead of letting him walk this summer.

Ultimately, this feels like more than just noise. The pieces are lined up, now it just comes down to whether Edmonton is willing to pay the price.