Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube really counts on Bobby McMann, and now the team’s management wants to make sure he stays with them.
The Edmonton Oilers believed they had a good chance to trade for him before the deadline. That option just got taken away.
Brad Treliving has completely changed his opinion since last Friday. The Maple Leafs are now looking to give McMann a long-term contract rather than trading him.
This news is a big blow for the Oilers. They really need some affordable extra scoring to make it through the tough playoff games.
McMann has a very appealing cap hit of just $1.35 million. You hardly see many middle-six forwards scoring like he does for that amount of money.
With 19 goals and 32 points already in 60 games, he’s the biggest steal in the league. He provides exactly the tough, physical style of play the Oilers need on the wings.
Edmonton Scrambling for Solutions
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch requires dependable players who can fight for the puck along the boards and support the penalty kill. McMann fits perfectly for a serious Stanley Cup contender needing more depth.
Since McMann is from Alberta, it makes a lot of sense for him to be in the Edmonton locker room. The Oilers were reportedly willing to give up a valuable draft pick to bring him on their team.
However, the management in Toronto finally understood they can’t easily replace what he brings to the team. Letting go of a local player for just a future second-round pick won’t help the Maple Leafs win games right now.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Maple Leafs trade deadline: The fact that Bobby McMann is still there tells you…they’re considering extending him, and they haven’t gotten what they want for him, they have time – 32 Thoughts (3/2)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 3, 2026
Taking him off the market means a very valuable player is no longer available for trade. This makes it tough for other team managers, who will have to consider less interesting choices as the deadline gets closer.
Edmonton needs to act fast before there are no good wingers left. Time is running out, and their main forwards can’t just play a lot of minutes each game.
The Oilers need forwards who work hard to get back on defense and make smart choices at the blue line. McMann does this every single time he’s on the ice.
If the Maple Leafs can keep him on their team, they will have reliable players in their lower lines for the next few years. They also prevent a strong player from joining a possible championship matchup.
Edmonton will now need to pay too much for a not-so-great player just to make their team complete. This is a huge chance that they have lost as a team that wants to win right away.
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