If you’ve been watching the Edmonton Oilers lately, you know they need grit, speed, and—most importantly—cap efficiency. That’s exactly why Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently connected the dots between Edmonton and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann on the Oilers Now podcast.
Friedman didn’t mince words, calling McMann a “top nine guy all day” and highlighting his affordable $1.35 million cap hit as a major draw for the cash-strapped Oilers. But the cost? It might surprise you: a second-round pick and a prospect. Is Stan Bowman willing to pay that price for a rental who could turn into a long-term fixture? Let’s dive into why this trade makes too much sense to ignore.
Why the Oilers Are Targeting Toronto’s Bobby McMann
As an analyst looking at the NHL landscape right now, it is rare to find a trade rumors scenario that feels this mutually beneficial on paper. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently stirred the pot by suggesting that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann would be a “great fit” for the Edmonton Oilers. And frankly, he’s spot on.
The Financials and The Fit for Stan Bowman
The Edmonton Oilers are in a perpetual dance with the salary cap. They need impact players, but they can’t afford premium prices. This is where McMann shines. With a cap hit of just $1.35 million, he is exactly the kind of “cheap cheap” asset that GM Stan Bowman should be hunting for.
McMann plays a heavy, north-south game that complements the Oilers’ star-studded top six. He isn’t afraid to go into the corners, he forechecks hard, and he has shown flashes of genuine scoring touch. For an Oilers team that sometimes struggles with depth consistency, adding a 29-year-old pending UFA who is hungry for a contract extension is a smart play.
The Price of Admission
The rumored asking price—a second-round pick and a prospect—might seem steep for a rental at first glance. However, McMann lacks trade protection, giving Edmonton flexibility. If he meshes well with guys like Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid, the Oilers could easily look at an extension. If not, they haven’t mortgaged the entire farm.
Are the Leafs Ready to Sell?
This is the million-dollar question. While there is no official indication that Toronto is waving the white flag, their recent tumble in the standings is concerning. If they slide further, they naturally become sellers. Trading McMann, a UFA-eligible winger, allows them to recoup assets for a player they might lose for free in July anyway.
From my perspective, if the Leafs can get a second-rounder and a prospect for McMann, they have to take it. And if the Oilers can get a solid middle-six banger for a playoff run, they make that deal every day of the week.
Latest Toronto Maple Leafs News
Don’t miss a beat on this developing story. Bookmark nhltraderumor.com for the latest Toronto Maple Leafs news and updates on this potential trade. While you’re there, make sure to join our Online Hockey Pool for cash prizes—it’s the best way to test your GM skills against other fans. Wondering how to watch the Leafs game on TV today? We have the full broadcast schedule up on the site.
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