Could the Kings and Maple Leafs Be a Trade Match After Fiala’s Injury?
The Los Angeles Kings took a tough hit during the Olympic break with the news that forward Kevin Fiala will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery. Fiala suffered the injury while playing for Switzerland in their game against Canada, and his absence leaves a significant hole in LA’s forward group. The timing couldn't be worse - the Kings are just three points out of a wild card spot and need reinforcements if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.
They already made a splash by acquiring Artemi Panarin before the Olympic roster freeze. But with Fiala now out, there's a real need for depth scoring in the middle of the lineup. That’s where Toronto’s Bobby McMann could come into play.
Why McMann Makes Sense for the Kings
Replacing a 60-70 point player like Fiala isn’t easy. He had 40 points in 56 games - solid production from a player who brought speed and creativity to LA’s offense. But McMann, while not a one-for-one replacement, could be a strong fit to help plug the gap.
McMann is having a career year, with 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games. That’s impressive output, especially considering it’s a contract year for him. He’s showing the kind of upward trajectory teams love to bet on - and he brings a unique blend of speed and physicality that could mesh well with LA’s style.
According to NHL EDGE tracking data, McMann ranks in the 97th percentile for speed bursts over 22 mph, with 18 such bursts this season. That kind of pace is rare, and it’s not just for show - he’s using it to get into dangerous scoring areas. He’s taken 25 shots from medium-danger zones and 39 from high-danger areas, which speaks to his ability to drive offense in the areas that matter most.
From a cap perspective, McMann is a clean fit. He carries a manageable $1.35 million hit, and the Kings have $1.89 million in space - a number that will increase once Fiala is officially placed on long-term injured reserve. That gives LA some flexibility to make a move without needing to move major salary out.
With Panarin expected to slot into the top line, McMann could be a great addition to the second or third line. He’s shown he can play up and down the lineup, and that versatility would be a big asset for a Kings team trying to stay afloat in a tight playoff race.
What Toronto Could Get Back
The Maple Leafs aren’t just giving McMann away. He’s arguably the most valuable winger on the trade market right now. And with multiple teams reportedly interested - including the Edmonton Oilers - Toronto has leverage.
The asking price? A first-round pick.
And the Kings still hold their 2026 first-rounder, which makes them a viable trade partner. If they’re serious about making a push, that pick could be in play.
There’s also the possibility of expanding the deal. Warren Foegele has reportedly been made available by the Kings, and his $3.5 million cap hit - which runs beyond this season - could be included to make the numbers work or to balance out the value. That would give Toronto another NHL-ready forward while freeing up space for LA.
If Foegele doesn’t interest the Leafs, they could pivot toward a prospect. Francesco Pinelli or Jimmy Lombardi could be names to watch if Toronto wants to add to its pipeline. Neither would be a throw-in - the Leafs would likely need to send more back - but it’s the kind of flexibility that makes a deal possible.
A Win-Win Scenario?
The Kings are in a tough spot. Losing Fiala hurts, no question.
But McMann offers a potential solution - a fast, productive winger who can bring energy, scoring, and versatility to a lineup that suddenly needs all three. For Toronto, this is a chance to capitalize on McMann’s breakout season and turn him into a valuable asset for the future, whether that’s a first-round pick, a promising prospect, or both.
If LA is serious about staying in the playoff mix, this is the kind of move that could help them weather the storm. And for the Leafs, it’s a chance to sell high on a player whose stock has never been better.