Edmonton’s attempt to get Bobby McMann has run into a big problem because of Craig Berube and his improving team.
The Oilers really need more scoring from their second and third lines to help out their top players on their upcoming road trip, and they had picked this exact player as a target.
McMann’s deal, which only costs $1.35 million against the salary cap, was seen as the perfect trade for Edmonton, which is very close to the salary cap limit.
The Maple Leafs have slowed down any plans for trades, completely changing their approach after winning a few important games.
Toronto is looking closely at their roster every day and are not willing to just let go of a player who has already scored 19 goals and has a good +2 rating this season.
A recent good performance on the ice has changed the vibe in the locker room, giving new life to an offense that was struggling before.
The Waiting Game in Toronto
According to Kyper: “It seems like the Maple Leafs are in a holding pattern for the next three games…McMann is their No. 1 trade candidate, but Toronto’s win/loss record will dictate if he, or some of his teammates, are moved.”
McMann is the only Leaf on his trade board. pic.twitter.com/j8gzxKlG9T
— Willyston Riellander (@nylanderthews) February 24, 2026
The management in Toronto is currently in a wait-and-see mode, halting all aggressive calls to other teams’ general managers.
They want to find out if this recent winning streak is just a lucky streak or if it’s a real change that can help them through a tough 82-game season.
Nick Kypreos explained the situation very well, laying out when a final choice on the 29-year-old winger would be made.
“It looks like the Maple Leafs are going to wait through the next three games. . . McMann is their top trade candidate, but the team’s record will decide if he or some of his teammates will be traded. ”
If Toronto continues to earn points during this important three-game period, McMann will stay to help strengthen their forwards.
He consistently produces dependable offensive results and offers just the right level of energy needed for a strong playoff push, getting about 15 minutes and 20 seconds on the ice each game.
Kris Knoblauch urgently needs help with the penalty kill, and losing a player who scores 0.57 points every game is a tough blow for the coaching team.
The Oilers can’t sit back and wait for Toronto to figure out if they want to buy or sell players in a tough Eastern Conference.
Each day that goes by without a confirmed trade puts Edmonton at greater risk in the competitive Western Conference.
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