The Edmonton Oilers are in the thick of trade deadline season, and one name that keeps surfacing is Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann. With the Oilers eyeing reinforcements for a deep playoff push, McMann’s blend of size, speed, and scoring touch makes him an intriguing fit for a team looking to round out its top nine.
Why McMann Makes Sense for the Oilers
Let’s start with the basics: McMann checks a lot of boxes. He’s a 6-foot-2 winger who can skate, score, and bring a physical edge - all traits that fit the mold of what Edmonton could use on the wing.
He’s already netted 19 goals and 32 points through 56 games this season, putting him on pace for a career-best 27 goals and 46 points over a full 82-game schedule. That’s a noticeable jump from last season’s 20-goal, 34-point campaign, and it suggests he’s trending in the right direction at the right time.
What makes McMann especially appealing is his versatility. He’s played up and down the lineup for Toronto - logging minutes in the top six and grinding it out in the bottom six.
For the Oilers, that kind of flexibility is gold. Edmonton is hunting for a top-nine winger who can step into a top-six role if needed, and McMann fits that profile.
He could slide in alongside Leon Draisaitl, potentially replacing Kasperi Kapanen on that line. Both players bring speed and physicality, but McMann’s offensive upside might give him the edge.
Depth scoring is one of the most valuable currencies come playoff time, and McMann brings that in spades. He’s shown he can contribute on both ends of the ice and doesn’t look out of place against tougher competition. Whether he’s playing 14 minutes or 18, he brings energy, finishes his checks, and knows how to find the back of the net.
Can the Oilers Make the Cap Work?
Here’s where things get tricky - as they always do with contending teams tight against the cap. Edmonton currently has around $2.89 million in cap space, but that number shrinks significantly once Adam Henrique returns from long-term injured reserve. At that point, they’ll be nearly $2 million over the cap, meaning any addition will require some subtraction.
That said, McMann’s $1.35 million cap hit is manageable - and that’s key. As a pending unrestricted free agent, he comes with a low financial commitment, which gives Edmonton some flexibility.
If Henrique remains on LTIR for the short term, the Oilers could add McMann without needing to make a corresponding roster move. But if they want to activate Henrique and still bring in McMann, someone like Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million cap hit may need to be moved to make the numbers work.
The affordability of McMann’s deal also opens the door to a potential second move. Edmonton has been linked to other names - including a couple of McMann’s Toronto teammates like Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. If the Oilers can get creative with their cap gymnastics, they could add more than just a depth winger.
What Would It Cost to Land McMann?
This is where things could get a little more expensive. While some insiders believe a second-round pick and a prospect might be enough to get a deal done, reports suggest Toronto is seeking a first-rounder for McMann. That’s a steep price for a pending UFA, but not unheard of if a team believes he’s the missing piece.
The Oilers don’t have their 2026 first-round pick - that went out in the Jake Walman deal - but they do hold their 2027 and 2028 firsts. They also have a full slate of second-round picks over the next three years, giving them some options if Toronto is willing to negotiate.
As for prospects, Edmonton likely wants to hang on to Ike Howard and Quinn Hutson, both of whom are projected to be part of the club’s future plans as early as 2026-27. But there’s a group of other names that could be in play: Roby Järventie, Viljami Marjala, Beau Akey, David Lewandowski, and Tommy Lafrenière. If Toronto is open to a second-rounder plus one of those prospects, there’s a path to making this deal work without mortgaging the future.
Final Thoughts
Bobby McMann isn’t a blockbuster name, but he’s the kind of player who can make a real difference in the playoffs. He brings scoring depth, physicality, and positional flexibility - all at a manageable cap hit. For a team like Edmonton, which has its core locked in and is looking to plug specific holes, McMann could be a smart, impactful addition.
The question now is whether the Oilers are willing to pay the price - and if they can make the cap puzzle fit. But if they do pull the trigger, don’t be surprised if McMann becomes one of those under-the-radar trade deadline pickups that ends up playing a key role come spring.