Could Bobby McMann Be the Perfect Fit for the Oilers? Here's Why the Rumor Makes Sense
We’re deep into the NHL’s annual rumor mill - the time of year when trade chatter heats up and names start flying like pucks in a morning skate. And while the Edmonton Oilers might not be in the market for a blockbuster move, that doesn’t mean they’re sitting this one out.
Enter Bobby McMann.
The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has quietly become one of the more intriguing names floating around in trade discussions, and there’s a growing sense that he could be a legitimate target for Edmonton. The rumor picked up steam after Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer mentioned McMann as a potential fit on Oilers Now, and it’s only gained traction since.
Let’s break down why this connection makes so much sense - both on the ice and on the books.
Hometown Ties, NHL-Ready Game
First, there’s the Alberta connection. McMann was born in Wainwright, just a few hours east of Edmonton.
He played his junior hockey with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL before heading to Colgate University, where he carved out a path to the pros. That journey has turned him into a late-blooming, reliable contributor in Toronto - and now, potentially, a valuable trade chip.
At 29 years old, McMann is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of just $1.35 million. That number is music to the ears of a cap-strapped contender like the Oilers. Edmonton doesn’t have the financial flexibility to chase high-priced stars, but McMann’s profile - a productive, affordable forward who can slide into a middle-six role - checks a lot of boxes.
Quiet Production, Big Value
Since becoming a full-time NHLer at the start of the 2023-24 season, McMann has played 192 games for the Leafs, tallying 52 goals and 88 points with a plus-22 rating. That’s solid production, especially considering he’s averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time per game and isn’t heavily featured on the power play.
What stands out most is his even-strength scoring. With 46 goals at 5-on-5 over that span, McMann ranks fifth among Leafs skaters - just two behind Matthew Knies, who’s played 26 more games. To put that in context for Oilers fans: if McMann had been wearing blue and orange during that stretch, he’d rank fourth on the team in even-strength goals, ahead of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins by a wide margin.
That kind of efficiency, especially at his price point, makes McMann a rare asset.
A Fit in Edmonton’s Forward Group?
So what would McMann bring to Edmonton? Think of him as a plug-and-play winger who can complement star talent without needing to be the focal point. He’s shown he can keep up with top-end players - even if he’s not driving the line - and he’s capable of chipping in offense without relying on power-play time.
David Pagnotta summed it up well on Oilersnation Everyday: “You look at what he’s capable of - the offensive outbursts he can produce - and he plays with the big boys.” That’s exactly the kind of depth scoring Edmonton has been looking for, especially with the top-heavy nature of their current lineup.
Pagnotta also drew a comparison to Kiefer Sherwood - a physical, budget-friendly winger - but noted McMann brings more offensive upside, even if he’s not quite as heavy on the forecheck. He’s not afraid to play with an edge, either, which adds another layer to his appeal.
What Would It Cost?
Deals involving players like McMann don’t come around often, but when they do, they tend to follow a familiar blueprint. Think back to when Blake Coleman was dealt to Tampa Bay: a 28-year-old with one year left on a $1.8 million deal, moved for a first-round pick and prospect Nolan Foote. Or last season, when San Jose sent Fabian Zetterlund - a 25-year-old RFA with 17 goals and a $1.45 million cap hit - to Ottawa for a package including a second-rounder.
McMann’s situation isn’t identical, but it’s in the same ballpark. He’s a pending UFA, and if Toronto doesn’t plan to re-sign him, they’ll want to maximize his value. That likely means a mid-round pick and/or a prospect, especially if no salary retention is involved.
Edmonton, of course, would need to weigh that cost against their current needs and long-term plans. But with other teams like Colorado and L.A. reportedly interested as well, the bidding could get competitive.
The Bottom Line
Bobby McMann isn’t a headline-grabbing name, but he’s exactly the type of player who can make a difference in the playoffs. He’s affordable, effective at even strength, and capable of sliding into a variety of roles. For a team like Edmonton - looking to round out its forward group without breaking the bank - McMann could be a perfect fit.
And if the Oilers want to make a move that balances cap discipline with on-ice impact, this might be the one to watch.