The Edmonton Oilers are shaping up to be one of the more aggressive buyers as the NHL trade freeze tied to the Olympic break nears its end. With the postseason in sight and a roster built to contend, Edmonton is expected to make a push to fine-tune its lineup-and one name that's gaining traction is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann.
According to a recent prediction from NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Oilers could be in the mix to acquire McMann ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. It’s a move that checks a lot of boxes for Edmonton: a cost-effective, productive forward who brings both scoring touch and physicality to a lineup that could use another top-nine presence.
McMann, 29, is putting together a strong campaign in Toronto. Through 56 games, he’s notched 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points, while also racking up 126 hits. That kind of production-especially from a player not relied upon as a top-line option-offers real value to a team like the Oilers, who are looking to add depth scoring without disrupting their top-heavy core.
What makes McMann particularly appealing for cap-strapped contenders like Edmonton is his contract. With a cap hit that falls below the league minimum (thanks to potential full retention by Toronto), he represents a rare deadline target: a 20-goal scorer who won’t cost much in terms of salary space. Of course, that kind of bargain comes with a price in trade value, and if the Leafs are willing to retain salary, they’ll be expecting a premium in return.
That’s where things get interesting. Edmonton isn’t the only team eyeing McMann.
Other contenders, including the Colorado Avalanche, are also reportedly in the mix. And when a player brings this combination of scoring, grit, and affordability, it’s not surprising to see multiple playoff-bound teams circling.
For the Oilers, it’s all about maximizing this window. They’re in win-now mode, and adding a player like McMann-who can slot in seamlessly, contribute on the scoresheet, and bring some bite to the forecheck-could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays dividends in a long playoff run.
Whether or not Edmonton can outbid the competition remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: if Bobby McMann hits the trade block, the Oilers will be right in the thick of it.