The Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down a tough reality as the NHL trade deadline looms. With the team currently sitting six points out of the final wild-card spot in the East, and the playoffs slipping further from reach, Toronto is shifting its focus-and its assets-toward the future.
One name drawing serious attention: Bobby McMann. The 27-year-old winger is having a breakout season, tallying 19 goals and 13 assists through 56 games.
He’s been a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent campaign, and with a cap hit of just $1.35 million, he’s not just productive-he’s cost-effective. That combination makes him one of the more appealing trade chips on the market, and the Leafs are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in return.
It’s a bold ask, but not an unreasonable one. McMann’s scoring touch, physicality, and versatility make him an attractive option for contenders looking to bolster their middle-six forward group without breaking the bank. And for a team like Toronto, which doesn’t currently hold a first-round pick until 2028, recouping high-end draft capital is a priority.
That lack of draft capital is the product of last year’s aggressive push. The Leafs dealt their 2026 and 2027 first-rounders to bring in Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton-moves that were meant to solidify the roster for a deep run. But with the postseason now in serious jeopardy, the front office is being forced to pivot.
It’s worth noting that the 2026 pick they sent to Boston is top-five protected. If Toronto lands inside that range after the draft lottery, they’ll keep the pick, and Boston would instead receive an unprotected 2028 first-rounder. That’s a gamble that could come back to bite, especially if the team’s slide continues.
Beyond McMann, the Leafs could also look to move other pending unrestricted free agents. Names like Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher are all in play. None would command the kind of return McMann might, but in a seller’s market, depth pieces still carry value-especially for playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their bottom six or add a reliable third-pairing defenseman.
Toronto’s situation is a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase that’s grown used to postseason appearances since 2016. But with the standings what they are and the draft cupboard nearly bare, the Leafs seem ready to make some hard decisions. If they can turn McMann’s breakout into a first-rounder, it might just be the first step in reshaping the next chapter of this franchise.