As we inch closer to the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar but tricky position-straddling the line between playoff aspirations and the long-term health of their roster. One name that's starting to generate serious buzz around the league: Bobby McMann.
McMann, a forward with size, speed, and a growing reputation, has emerged as a potential trade chip that could bring back real value if Toronto decides to pivot toward selling. According to league chatter, the Maple Leafs are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in return-a steep price, but not an outrageous one given McMann’s upside and the scarcity of impact forwards available at the deadline.
What Makes McMann Valuable?
McMann isn’t just a throw-in depth piece. He brings a blend of physicality and pace that teams covet heading into the postseason.
He’s shown flashes of being more than just a bottom-six grinder, and his ability to play up and down the lineup gives him extra appeal. In a league where playoff hockey often comes down to depth and versatility, McMann checks a lot of boxes.
There’s also the contract situation to consider. He’s on an expiring deal, which makes him the kind of low-risk, high-upside rental that contenders love to plug into their lineup without long-term cap concerns. That’s part of why Toronto feels justified in aiming high with their ask.
The Market Complicates Things
Here’s where it gets complicated. Several teams that would typically be in the mix for a player like McMann-Colorado, Dallas, Edmonton, Minnesota, and Vegas-have already moved their first-round picks for 2026.
Carolina dealt theirs but recouped one from Dallas, and Ottawa’s pick is off the table. That significantly narrows the pool of potential trade partners willing-or able-to meet Toronto’s asking price.
That doesn’t mean a deal can’t happen. It just means the Leafs may have to get creative.
The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to McMann, but without a first-rounder to offer this year, any potential deal would need to be structured differently. Maybe it’s a package of second-round picks.
Maybe it’s a pick plus a prospect. Or maybe it’s a hockey trade that includes an NHL-ready player like Andrew Mangiapane, who could benefit from a fresh start.
Holding Firm vs. Staying Flexible
There’s nothing wrong with Toronto setting the bar at a first-round pick. That’s how you negotiate from a position of strength.
But the key for GM Brad Treliving will be knowing when to pivot. If a team comes to the table with two second-rounders or a package that gives the Leafs flexibility at the draft or down the line, that might be worth considering.
Look at the Kiefer Sherwood trade as a model. Vancouver landed two second-round picks in that deal-a return that gave them assets to work with, either in future trades or to reload their prospect pipeline. That kind of deal could make a lot of sense for Toronto, especially if they’re not fully committing to a teardown but rather a strategic retool.
What Happens After the Olympic Break?
The big X-factor here is how the Leafs perform coming out of the Olympic break. If they come out hot and climb the standings, there’s a case to be made for holding onto players like McMann and making a push.
But if they stumble, the writing may be on the wall. Selling off expiring contracts becomes the logical play, and McMann would be one of the first names on the move.
In that scenario, moving McMann isn’t just about getting value-it’s about setting the tone for a mini reset. The Leafs aren’t in need of a full rebuild, but a smart retool that brings in future assets while clearing some cap space could put them in a stronger position heading into the offseason.
Bottom line: Bobby McMann might not be a household name just yet, but he’s a player with real market value. And in a deadline market that’s already tight on premium picks, the Leafs have an opportunity to capitalize-if they play their cards right.