As the NHL trade deadline inches closer and teams finalize their Olympic roster commitments, the Edmonton Oilers appear to be doing some serious window shopping-particularly in Toronto.
According to recent reports, the Oilers have shown interest in Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann, a name that's been circulating in trade chatter for weeks. The Leafs are reportedly asking for a first-round pick for the 29-year-old, who’s become a popular target thanks to his blend of size, speed, and two-way game. But McMann might not be the only Leaf on Edmonton’s radar.
League insiders say the Oilers and Maple Leafs were in discussions ahead of the Olympic roster freeze, and while McMann’s name has been floated, the real focus may lie elsewhere. Two names to keep an eye on: Nic Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Roy, who came over to Toronto in the Mitch Marner deal, was brought in to solidify the Leafs' third line. He’s quietly posted five goals and 20 points through 54 games this season-solid depth numbers for a player tasked with stabilizing the middle six. At 29, he’s in his prime and could be a valuable piece for a contender looking to round out its forward group with a responsible, playoff-tested center.
Then there’s Ekman-Larsson, who’s arguably been the Leafs’ most reliable presence on the blue line this season. The 34-year-old veteran has not only logged heavy minutes but also chipped in offensively, tallying eight goals and 34 points in 57 games.
He’s set to represent Sweden at the Olympics, further underscoring the level he’s playing at right now. With a cap hit of $3.75 million through 2027-28, his contract is manageable for a contender, especially one like Edmonton that’s eyeing a deep playoff run and could use a stabilizing presence on the back end.
While nothing is imminent, the fact that these conversations have taken place is telling. Edmonton is clearly in go-for-it mode, and Toronto-hovering in a state of retool rather than full-blown rebuild-may be open to moving veteran pieces for future assets.
As for McMann, he’s trying to tune out the noise and stay focused on the task at hand.
“I like it here with Toronto. I wouldn’t necessarily want to go anywhere.
I want to run with these guys. I want to make a push here,” McMann told reporters.
“I can’t really control what happens outside of that. I’ll just have to deal with it then.”
That’s the mindset you want from a player on the block-committed to the crest, but realistic about the business side of the game.
With the Olympic break now underway and the trade deadline looming, don’t be surprised if the Oilers circle back to the Leafs. Whether it’s McMann, Roy, or Ekman-Larsson, there’s real potential for a deal that could shift the playoff landscape.