Bobby McMann Drawing Trade Interest as Maple Leafs Pivot Toward Deadline Decisions
The Olympic roster freeze may have put a brief pause on NHL roster movement, but behind the scenes, the trade chatter is heating up-and in Toronto, it sounds like Brad Treliving is ready to deal.
The Maple Leafs’ general manager is reportedly shifting into sell mode ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, and one of his most intriguing chips is winger Bobby McMann. At 29, McMann is a pending UFA with a $1.3 million cap hit and no trade protection-meaning Treliving has full flexibility to move him for the right return. And with McMann putting together a quietly strong season, contenders are circling.
Let’s break down five teams that could make a serious push for McMann in the coming weeks-and why he might be a perfect fit for each.
Edmonton Oilers: Speed, Scoring, and a Bargain Price Tag
This one feels almost too logical. Edmonton has been linked to McMann for weeks, and it’s easy to see why.
They’re in the market for a top-nine forward who brings speed, a scoring touch, and cap-friendly value. McMann checks all three boxes.
With 19 goals in 56 games, McMann’s finishing ability has turned heads, and his ability to play either wing gives the Oilers some lineup flexibility. He’s not just a plug-and-play guy-he’s someone who can elevate a line with his pace and nose for the net.
The challenge? Edmonton’s cap situation.
They’ve got just $425,000 in space heading into the Olympic break, so any deal would require some financial gymnastics. They also don’t have a 2026 first-round pick, which could be a sticking point if that’s what Treliving is targeting.
But if the Leafs are open to a second-rounder and a quality prospect, this is a deal that could get done.
San Jose Sharks: A Surprise Contender Looking to Add
Don’t look now, but the Sharks are making noise in the Western Conference playoff race. Just three points out of a wild card spot with a game in hand, San Jose has every reason to be aggressive at the deadline-and McMann could be the kind of under-the-radar pickup that pays off big.
GM Mike Grier reportedly had interest in Artemi Panarin before he chose the Kings, so there’s no question the Sharks are shopping for offensive help. McMann brings speed, scoring, and a physical edge-his 126 hits this season rank third on the Leafs, showing he’s not afraid to throw his weight around.
San Jose has both the cap space (nearly $10 million) and the assets (two first-round picks, several near-ready prospects) to make a compelling offer. If they’re giving up a first, it might be part of a bigger package-perhaps involving a defenseman like Brandon Carlo.
Or, if they see McMann as more than a rental, a contract extension could be part of the equation. Either way, the Sharks are a team to watch.
Carolina Hurricanes: Secondary Scoring with a Playoff Edge
Carolina’s been knocking on the door for years, and once again, they’re in a position to make a serious run. They’ve got over $23 million in cap space and sit comfortably atop the Metropolitan Division. Now it’s about fine-tuning-and McMann could be a smart addition.
The Hurricanes have been known to seek out players who fit their hard-working, structured style, and McMann fits that mold. He’s a grinder who can finish, and he’s shown he can score in different ways-on the rush, in tight, or off the forecheck. That kind of versatility is gold in the postseason.
Carolina is also in the market for a top-four defenseman, so any deal with Toronto could be part of a larger transaction. Whether it’s Carlo or Ekman-Larsson heading south, McMann could be one piece of a multi-player move.
The Hurricanes have their 2026 first-rounder, but GM Eric Tulsky isn’t one to part with young talent easily. Still, if they believe McMann can be a difference-maker in the playoffs, the price might be worth it.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Classic Deadline Sleight of Hand?
The Lightning have made a habit of pulling off deadline deals that leave the rest of the league scratching their heads-and then watching them pay off in June. Could McMann be their next savvy pickup?
Tampa missed out on Panarin and may pivot to McMann as a more affordable option. With just $3 million in deadline cap space and no first-round picks until 2028, they’re limited-but that hasn’t stopped them before. A second-rounder and a mid-tier prospect could be enough to get Treliving’s attention.
There’s also the question of long-term fit. Tampa is paying Oliver Bjorkstrand $5.4 million this season, and with only nine goals in 54 games, they may be looking for a more productive, cost-effective alternative. If McMann impresses, don’t be surprised if the Bolts work out an extension to keep him in the fold.
Colorado Avalanche: A Perfect Fit for a Speed-First System
The Avalanche have been one of the league’s most dangerous teams all season, and while they’ve cooled slightly, they’re still firmly in the contender tier. What they could use is another burst of speed and scoring punch-and McMann fits the bill.
Colorado has $3.7 million in cap space and a clear need for depth in the top nine. McMann’s versatility and pace would make him a seamless fit alongside the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. That trio would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Avs don’t have a draft pick until the fourth round in 2026, so any deal would likely center around a young NHL-ready player or a top prospect. For Toronto, that could be an appealing return-especially if they’re looking to get a head start on evaluating future pieces over the final stretch of the season.
What’s Next for Toronto?
There’s no sugarcoating it-the Leafs’ playoff hopes are on life support. That makes Bobby McMann a prime trade candidate, and Treliving would be wise to capitalize while his value is high.
Yes, losing McMann would sting. He’s a beloved figure in the room and has carved out a meaningful role this season. But with unrestricted free agency looming and multiple contenders calling, the smarter long-term play might be to move him now and retool for the future.
With just under a month to go until the deadline, the Bobby McMann sweepstakes are officially on. And judging by the early interest, the bidding war could get interesting fast.