NHL Rumors: 3 Other Teams Were in on Bobby McMann

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 , , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann celebrates goal during 2026 game.

The trade deadline may be over, but new details continue to emerge about how wide the market was for Bobby McMann. 

The former Toronto Maple Leafs winger ultimately landed with the Seattle Kraken, but according to The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, several other teams were aggressively trying to land the power forward before the deal was finalized.

McMann became one of the most sought-after rental forwards on the market, but in the end, Seattle stepped up with the winning package, sending Toronto a second-round pick and a fourth-round pick for the 29-year-old winger.

Oilers and Avalanche Pushed Hard for Bobby McMann

Pagnotta reported that the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams heavily involved in the Bobby McMann trade talks before he was ultimately dealt to Seattle.

The Oilers’ interest was hardly surprising. Edmonton has been searching for affordable depth scoring to complement superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and McMann’s low million cap hit made him an ideal mid-season addition. 

With 19 goals and 32 points in 60 games this season, McMann has proven he could provide reliable secondary offense while also bringing the kind of physical forechecking style that tends to translate well in the playoffs.

Colorado was also a logical suitor. There were even reports early on deadline day that the Avalanche were finalizing a trade to acquire McMann, but that ultimately fell apart.

The Avalanche already possess one of the league’s strongest top-six groups, but adding a versatile winger like McMann could have given them more depth in the middle six during a deep postseason run.

Blue Jackets Also Kicked Tires on Bobby McMann

The Columbus Blue Jackets were perhaps the most intriguing team connected to McMann. While they are still building toward long-term contention, the club has been pushing toward a playoff spot and may have viewed McMann as a strong veteran addition to help stabilize their lineup.

McMann’s rise to becoming a deadline target is notable given how his NHL career started. Undrafted, he signed with Toronto in 2022 and steadily carved out a role as a reliable middle-six forward. Over his three NHL seasons, he has produced 15, 20, and 19 goals, proving he can consistently chip in offense while playing a fast, heavy style of hockey.

With McMann set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, it would not be surprising if some of those same teams circle back when the offseason market opens.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

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