NHL Rumors: Projected Maple Leafs Trade Return for Bobby McMann
With Toronto sitting outside the playoff picture and facing a shallow sellers’ market, McMann has quietly become one of the most appealing deadline pieces available.
His combination of speed, versatility, and a bargain $1.35 million cap hit puts general manager Brad Treliving in a position of leverage as contenders search for uncomplicated scoring help.
What Bobby McMann brings on the trade market
McMann has 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games and is tracking toward a new career high after scoring 20 goals last season.
He’s earned time alongside Auston Matthews, kills penalties, brings pace through the neutral zone, and has shown he can handle top-six minutes when needed.
If the Leafs can get a 1st round pick for Bobby McMann should they do it?#LeafsForever | @BodogCA pic.twitter.com/Frhm0tiFOy
— Leafs Papi (@LeafsPapi_) February 4, 2026
For contenders tight against the cap, a winger producing at a 25 to 30 goal pace without long-term money attached is exactly the type of add that sparks bidding wars.
Why the Leafs could demand a premium return
League insiders have repeatedly pointed to the Kiefer Sherwood trade as a baseline comparison.
Vancouver landed two second-round picks and a depth prospect for Sherwood, another affordable winger without an extension in place. McMann’s offensive output since the start of the 2023-24 season actually compares favorably, with 54 goals and 90 points over that span.
Bobby McMann seals this one, 5-2 Leafs.
— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) February 4, 2026
📹: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/O5G5yr7Uqo
With so many contenders already having moved their first-round picks, Toronto could realistically push for multiple seconds or potentially a late first if an extension is part of the discussion.
Even without one, demand alone may be enough to drive the price higher than expected.
How Toronto benefits from moving McMann now
The Maple Leafs owe a protected first-round pick in 2026 and are short on future assets after recent deadline swings. Restocking the cupboard is becoming unavoidable, and McMann represents a good way to do it without touching core pieces.
Bobby McMann gets the empty-net goal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/DFbFlh4m1I
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 3, 2026
Whether the final return is two second-rounders, a second plus a strong prospect, or something even richer, moving McMann could be the first step in reshaping Toronto’s asset pool ahead of a pivotal deadline.
Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
