According to TSN insider Darren DregerIf the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to trade Bobby McMann, it likely means they have decided to cut back on the bait this season. While they admit the Edmonton Oilers are among the teams that may be interested, the Maple Leafs may be looking for a first-round pick and more for the versatile forward.
The Maple Leafs aren’t sure what to do with McMann
Dreger noted that McMann is coveted heading into this year’s deadline. “He can fly. He can keep pace. So I understand why Edmonton would talk about the idea of Bobby McMann, because he would check a lot of boxes.” Dreger added that the price is high. “His game consists of skating, looking ahead and he gets goals in time. He can be productive.”
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But for the Maple Leafs, the concern is that McMann may be considering a $5 million extension this summer, and the situation in Toronto doesn’t scream for running to the negotiating table to sign that deal.
That puts the team in a difficult position. First, if the demand is a first-rounder and beyond, how many teams are willing to spend that on a 30-year-old whose career high is 34 points? Supply and demand can determine whether a team is willing to pay too much. The market is somewhat limited in players who play like McMann and the need for contenders often leads to trading returns that seem extraordinary.
“He’s so good,” the NHL insider said.
But what if there is no return? Will the Maple Leafs still be willing to move McMann? The risk is that he knows he can leave for nothing in the summer, and not getting a second-round pick, prospect or other picks seems like sloppy asset management.
Not committing to McMann means the Maple Leafs are cutting bait this season
Dreger said GM Brad Treliving will have to make tough decisions on all of his pending UFAs. And the organization has plenty of players that may require tough choices. However, moving McMann could mark the start of the team going on the offensive and realizing there is no hope of making the playoffs.
Dreger acknowledged that other trades were possible, but if McMann leaves, it’s likely a sign that Treliving has embraced the idea of a realignment.
Former NHL player Jamie McLennan suggested that the Leafs must decide in the next few games whether they want to stay in the muddy middle or refocus and become buyers or sellers at the deadline. It’s time to decide that this year is not the year of the Maple Leafs and Toronto may need to move some pieces to start fresh in 2026-2027.
McMann could be the driving force behind that realignment. So will it be the Oilers or another team making a pitch for McMann? And if that happens, how many transactions will follow in Toronto? McMann’s move could open the floodgates for other deals.
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