Bobby McMann Drawing Trade Deadline Buzz - But Will the Leafs Let Him Go?
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, Bobby McMann’s name is climbing the list of intriguing forward options - and for good reason. The 29-year-old winger is putting together the best season of his career at just the right time, and teams in need of scoring depth are taking notice. But the big question still hangs in the air: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs ready to move on from him, or are they gearing up to keep him around for the long haul?
McMann is in the final year of a two-year, $2.7 million deal he signed back in 2024. With 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) through 56 games this season, he’s on pace to shatter his previous career highs. That kind of production - especially from a player who brings size, grit, and versatility - doesn’t go unnoticed in a league where playoff contenders are constantly looking to shore up their middle six.
What Would It Cost to Keep McMann in Toronto?
According to league insiders, the number being floated for McMann’s next contract is somewhere in the neighborhood of five years at $5 million per season. That’s not nothing - especially for a player who’s approaching 30 - but in today’s NHL economy, it’s not outrageous either.
With the salary cap expected to continue its upward climb, $5 million is quickly becoming the going rate for reliable secondary scorers. And make no mistake: McMann has shown he can be exactly that. He’s not just cashing in on a hot streak - his game has matured, and his consistency this season is earning him attention from front offices around the league.
For the Maple Leafs, the decision comes down to value versus opportunity. Do you lock in a player who’s found his stride and fits your system, or do you try to flip him for future assets - potentially a first-round pick and more - while his stock is high? GM Brad Treliving has options, and that makes McMann one of the most interesting names to watch ahead of March 6.
Edmonton Looms as a Potential Suitor
The Edmonton Oilers have been heavily linked to McMann, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re in win-now mode, and adding a physical winger with scoring touch to play alongside the likes of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could be a savvy move.
Cap space is always a concern, but Edmonton’s front office has done a solid job managing their core contracts. With McDavid and Mattias Ekholm locked into team-friendly deals, there’s some flexibility to work with. A $5 million hit for McMann wouldn’t break the bank, especially if the Oilers believe he’s a piece that can help push them over the top.
Of course, if Edmonton - or any other team - wants to extend McMann after acquiring him, they’ll need to be confident in what he brings over the long term. That’s where the risk comes in. You’re not just trading for a rental; you’re potentially committing to a multi-year investment in a player who’s just now hitting his peak.
Toronto’s Cap Picture Could Tip the Scales
If there’s one factor that could keep McMann in Toronto, it’s the cap space freed up by Mitch Marner’s departure to Vegas. That move opened up significant financial breathing room, giving the Leafs the ability to make a competitive offer without compromising other areas of the roster.
In that context, a five-year, $25 million deal for McMann becomes a realistic option. He’s already familiar with the system, he’s producing, and he fits the team’s identity. There’s a strong argument to be made for keeping him in the fold - especially if the alternative is watching him thrive elsewhere.
What Comes Next?
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Toronto’s front office. Do they double down on this year’s group and keep McMann as part of a playoff push? Or do they cash in on his breakout season and look to reload for the future?
Either way, Bobby McMann has earned his place in the spotlight. Whether it’s in Toronto or somewhere else, he’s about to get paid - and potentially play a key role in a team’s postseason aspirations.