The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tight spot when it comes to draft capital - and that’s putting it mildly. They’re currently without a first-round pick in each of the next two NHL drafts and hold just three total picks in this year’s draft. That’s not exactly the kind of flexibility you want when you’re trying to both contend and build for the future.
Add to that a prospect pool that’s looking a little shallow these days, and it becomes clear: the Leafs need to find a way to restock the cupboard. That doesn’t mean hitting the panic button or pivoting into a full rebuild - far from it. But it does mean getting creative, especially with pending free agents who could bring back value now without mortgaging the team’s playoff hopes.
One name that makes sense in that conversation? Bobby McMann.
McMann has quietly carved out a role for himself in Toronto’s top six this season. He’s been a regular presence on the top two lines, which says a lot about how the coaching staff views his game.
He brings a mix of size, speed, and finishing ability that could appeal to contending teams looking for a boost up front. And unlike someone like Calle Jarnkrok - who’s been more of a middle-six fixture - McMann has shown he can hang in a more prominent role.
If the Leafs decide to explore the trade market for McMann, there are three teams that could make sense as potential partners: the Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers.
Seattle Kraken: A Fit With Flexibility
Seattle stands out right away because of their draft capital. The Kraken hold two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts and a whopping 10 selections in the 2027 draft alone. That’s the kind of asset pool that can get a deal done.
If Toronto’s front office is looking to retool on the fly, Seattle could offer the kind of early-round picks that would help replenish the Leafs' pipeline. But it might not stop there.
There’s been chatter around Shane Wright, the former top draft pick, who’s seen a dip in production lately. A move back to Ontario - closer to his hometown of Burlington - could be the reset he needs. Toronto would be an intriguing landing spot, especially with the chance to develop alongside players like Auston Matthews.
If Wright is part of the deal, Toronto would likely push for another prospect, perhaps someone like Nathan Villeneuve, to help address their need for organizational depth. It’s a big ask, but it’s also the type of deal that could benefit both sides: Seattle gets a ready-to-go forward in McMann, and Toronto gets a chance to build for the future without sacrificing the now.
Calgary Flames: Defense in Return?
The Flames aren’t in the exact same spot as Toronto, but they do have something the Leafs need: defense.
Toronto’s blue line has taken some hits with Chris Tanev and Dakota Mermis both banged up. And with goaltending depth a bit of a question mark, the Leafs can’t afford to be thin on the back end heading into the postseason grind.
Calgary recently picked up Zach Whitecloud in a deal with Vegas, but they’re reportedly open to flipping the veteran defenseman. That’s where a McMann-for-Whitecloud framework could come into play. Whitecloud brings playoff experience and a steady presence on the right side - exactly what the Leafs could use.
Calgary also has the draft capital to sweeten the pot. With five picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft and two first-rounders in 2027, they’ve got the flexibility to make a move that helps both teams.
Edmonton Oilers: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible
Then there’s Edmonton. The Oilers could use a player like McMann, but they’re not exactly flush with picks. Their most attractive assets are a pair of first- and second-rounders in 2027 and 2028, which might be more than they’re willing to part with for a depth scorer.
One potential workaround? A cap-balancing move involving Andrew Mangiapane.
Mangiapane hasn’t quite found his footing in Edmonton since arriving last offseason, and his $3.6 million cap hit over the next two years is a bit of a burden. A swap involving McMann and Mangiapane could help the Oilers shed salary while giving the Leafs a buy-low candidate who’s shown he can produce in the right role.
Still, this scenario feels less likely unless Edmonton is willing to include one of those higher picks or another asset to make the numbers work.
The Bottom Line
Toronto is in playoff mode - there’s no question about that. But smart teams know how to balance the present with the future, and that’s where moving a player like Bobby McMann could pay off.
He’s a valuable piece, no doubt. But he’s also the kind of player who could bring back exactly what the Leafs need: draft picks, young talent, and maybe even a depth piece for the stretch run. For a team looking to contend now and stay relevant later, that’s a trade worth exploring.