As the NHL Trade Freeze Hits, Bobby McMann Emerges as a Name to Watch
With the NHL trade freeze officially in effect during the Olympic break-from now through February 22 at 11:59 PM ET-front offices around the league are taking a breath, but not for long. Once the freeze lifts, the countdown to the March 6 trade deadline begins, and teams will have to make some tough calls. One of the more intriguing decisions lies with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have just six games post-freeze to determine whether they’re making a playoff push or hitting the reset button.
If the Leafs lean toward selling, Bobby McMann is a name that could quickly rise to the top of the trade board.
McMann’s Journey: From Undrafted to Undeniable
McMann’s path to the NHL wasn’t paved with first-round buzz or junior stardom. He went undrafted out of Colgate University after four solid seasons and signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Marlies, the Leafs’ AHL affiliate. From there, it was a grind-time in the ECHL with the Wichita Thunder, bouncing between leagues in 2020-21, and finally cracking the NHL lineup in 2022-23.
That first NHL stint was modest: 10 games, one assist. But McMann kept pushing.
The following season, he played 56 games and tallied 24 points. By 2024-25, he had cemented himself as a regular in Toronto’s lineup, scoring 20 goals and adding 14 assists.
And now, in 2025-26, he’s on pace for a career year-already with 19 goals and 13 assists through 56 games.
At just a $1.35 million cap hit this season, McMann is not only producing but doing so on one of the league’s most team-friendly deals. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with his upward trajectory, he’s going to command a raise. That makes him a prime rental candidate for any team looking to bolster its middle six.
Buffalo Sabres: Ready to Break the Drought?
Let’s talk about the Buffalo Sabres. They’re having the kind of season fans in Western New York have been dreaming about for over a decade.
The last time Buffalo made the playoffs was 2010-11. That’s 14 straight seasons without postseason hockey-the longest drought in NHL history and the second-longest active streak in the four major North American sports, trailing only the New York Jets.
But this year? The Sabres are 32-18-6 and in the thick of the playoff race. The question now becomes: do they stand pat and hope it’s enough, or do they push their chips in and go for it?
A move for McMann would likely be a rental, given that Buffalo’s projected $14 million in cap space this offseason could be quickly eaten up by key extensions-especially if Alex Tuch re-signs at a number north of $10 million. Still, the Sabres have the prospect depth and draft capital to make a splash now, and McMann would be a strong fit.
He could slide into the third line on the left wing, allowing Josh Doan-who’s having a breakout season with 18 goals and 21 assists-to move back to his natural right side. That would give Buffalo a dangerous third line with two legitimate scoring threats. If needed, McMann has the versatility to jump up to the top line, especially if injuries hit or if Peyton Krebs continues to struggle.
Beyond the offense, McMann brings a strong two-way game. His expected goals against per 60 minutes would rank among the best on the Sabres, giving them a defensive boost without sacrificing scoring. For a team sitting 14th in goals per game, that kind of two-way depth could be the difference in a tight playoff series.
Edmonton Oilers: A Hometown Fit with Playoff Implications
Then there’s Edmonton. The Oilers are always looking for that one extra piece to push them over the top, and McMann could be it. He’s from Wainwright, Alberta-just a couple hours from Edmonton-and while that’s not the only reason to target him, it doesn’t hurt.
The Oilers are tight against the cap, but McMann’s $1.35 million salary fits within their financial constraints. And he fills a real need.
Despite ranking fourth in the league in goals per game, Edmonton’s offense is heavily reliant on a core group. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and defenseman Evan Bouchard have combined for over half of the team’s total goals. That kind of top-heavy scoring can be dangerous in the postseason, when depth often wins series.
McMann could slot in alongside Draisaitl on the second line or bring some punch to the third line next to Jack Roslovic. Either way, he adds scoring depth and speed-elite speed. McMann ranks in the 99th percentile for max skating speed, with only a handful of players (including McDavid) clocking faster top-end numbers.
But it’s not just speed for speed’s sake. McMann uses it to get back on defense, close gaps, and throw the body.
He’s racked up 126 hits this season, which would rank third on the Oilers. That physical edge, combined with his scoring touch and affordability, makes him a smart target for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Los Angeles Kings: Looking to Solve Their McDavid Problem
The Kings made one of the boldest pre-Olympic moves, acquiring Artemi Panarin from the Rangers in a blockbuster deal. It was a clear signal: they’re not just trying to make the playoffs-they’re going for the Cup.
One major hurdle remains: the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings have been bounced from the playoffs by Edmonton in four straight postseason appearances.
The issue? They haven’t been able to keep up with the Oilers offensively, and they haven’t had an answer for McDavid.
Panarin helps with the scoring side of that equation. But slowing down McDavid is another challenge entirely.
That’s where McMann comes in. His mix of speed and physicality makes him one of the few forwards who can at least try to skate with McDavid and make life difficult. Slotting him onto the third line in a shutdown role-potentially alongside Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko-would give the Kings a line capable of both defending and counterattacking with skill.
No one’s shutting McDavid down completely. But if the Kings can limit his impact and make him work harder for every point, that might be enough to finally get past Edmonton.
Bottom Line
Bobby McMann might not be the biggest name on the trade market, but he checks a lot of boxes: scoring touch, two-way responsibility, elite speed, physicality, and a bargain contract. Whether it’s Buffalo looking to end a historic playoff drought, Edmonton trying to round out their forward group, or L.A. hunting for answers in a McDavid-dominated West, McMann could be one of the most impactful under-the-radar moves of this trade season.
Once the freeze lifts, don’t be surprised if his name heats up fast.