Could Bobby McMann Be the Avalanche’s Next Smart Deadline Addition?
With the NHL trade deadline creeping closer, the Colorado Avalanche are shaping up to be buyers-and not just window shoppers. While a blockbuster move for a star like Artemi Panarin would certainly light up the headlines, the more realistic scenario has Colorado targeting depth. And in a league where playoff success often hinges on the strength of your bottom six just as much as your top line, that’s not a bad strategy.
We’ve already heard a few names floated in the rumor mill-Evander Kane, Andrew Peeke, Ryan Lomberg-but there’s another intriguing option who might be flying a bit under the radar: Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now, McMann isn’t a household name, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make a meaningful impact. The 29-year-old winger is a pending unrestricted free agent, and with the Maple Leafs teetering between contention and collapse, there’s a growing sense that Toronto could become sellers at the deadline.
If that happens, McMann is a name worth watching-and not just for the Oilers or Kings, who’ve reportedly shown interest. The Avalanche could absolutely benefit from throwing their hat into that ring.
What McMann Brings to the Table
McMann has carved out a role in Toronto as a versatile forward who can play up and down the lineup. He’s even seen time alongside Auston Matthews on the Leafs’ top line, where he’s served as the kind of gritty, puck-hunting winger that allows star players to shine. That’s a valuable trait-especially for a team like Colorado, which could use a little more edge and energy in its forward group.
Picture McMann slotting in next to Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. He wouldn’t need to be the offensive catalyst-just the guy who wins board battles, drives the net, and creates chaos in the corners.
And if Colorado prefers to keep its top line intact, McMann’s versatility means he could easily slide into a middle-six or even fourth-line role without missing a beat. That kind of plug-and-play utility is gold during the grind of a playoff run.
The Cost of Doing Business
Of course, the big question is: what would it take to get him?
McMann won’t be a giveaway. Toronto will want to get something back for a player who’s shown he can contribute in a variety of roles.
But given that he was an undrafted player and is set to hit the open market this summer, the price shouldn’t be sky-high either. A mid-round draft pick-maybe a third or fourth-or a mid-tier prospect could be enough to get a deal done.
That said, the Avalanche will need to be smart. If a bidding war breaks out, and the price starts creeping into second-round territory or higher-end prospects, it might be time to walk away.
Colorado’s strength lies in its depth and development pipeline. Overpaying for a rental, even a useful one like McMann, could hurt more than help in the long run.
Still, if the Avs can strike the right balance and land McMann at a reasonable price, it would be a savvy move. He’s the kind of under-the-radar addition that doesn’t make waves on deadline day but ends up playing a key role in a deep playoff run.
What’s Next for Colorado?
We’ll know more soon. With the Olympics on the horizon and trade chatter set to ramp up, the Avalanche’s front office will be busy evaluating options. They don’t need to swing for the fences to improve-just find the right pieces to round out an already dangerous roster.
Bobby McMann might not be the flashiest name on the board, but he checks a lot of boxes for a team looking to add grit, versatility, and playoff-ready depth. If the price is right, don’t be surprised if he ends up in burgundy and blue before the deadline buzzer sounds.