The Maple Leafs’ best trade chip might not be who you think
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A report from David Pagnotta shows that Bobby McMann and Toronto aren't close on an extension, and the team has to deal him now as he's their best asset.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs on the verge of becoming sellers, there is a discussion over who the team should keep when it comes to their unrestricted free agents like Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann.
While there have been extension possibilities floating around, the team isn't near an extension with Laughton, and while he admitted that he wanted to stay; if the numbers are too much then it might not be feasible.
McMann is a player who is definitely due for a pay raise, and while he's a great piece in the lineup, he's also not the youngest player and it might be best to sell high where they can.
McMann wanted by two contenders, so let them fight over him
We previously touched on a report from David Pagnotta that shows there is heavy interest from two contenders, and it could lead to a deal down the line.
Pagnotta named the Oilers and Kings as two teams who could use McMann, and it echoes Bob Stauffer and Elliotte Friedman's claims that Edmonton would love him.
It isn't too shocking to hear about the Oilers being a potential candidate considering they have been linked to McMann and could use a speedy, physical winger in the top six alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
But LA brings a very interesting trade partner as well, as they could be willing to part with a couple of their 2026 picks as they have 10 of them at their disposal, and those could be used to make future selections or be used in a much bigger deal.
Bobby McMann can give Toronto an unbelievable haul
McMann, 29, has been a bright spot in a tough season for Toronto. He has 29 points in 53 games (17 goals, 12 assists) and is on pace to not only surpass his career-highs in goals and assists but also hits (he already has 118).
He only makes $1.35-million which is a ridiculous bargain for what he brings, and there's no doubt he is going to earn nearly triple that come free agency, so there's reason to believe that money is the priority at this point.
Toronto really has no way out of this hole they dug themselves in, and the best way to get back whatever assets they lost is to sell high regardless of who it is.
The combination of what he offers on and off the ice, coupled with a dirt-cheap deal and the fact that contenders are certainly going to pay especially for one of the fastest skaters in the entire league.
While it's painful to see McMann leave Toronto nearly as quickly as he came in, if the team can get some seriously strong assets for two years of solid production than it's certainly worth it to pull the trigger.
And right now, they really don't have any other choice.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 31|1428 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs’ best trade chip might not be who you think Should the Maple Leafs trade, keep or let Bobby McMann walk? | ||
| Trade Him! | 862 | 60.4 % |
| Keep Him! | 495 | 34.7 % |
| Let Him Walk! | 71 | 5 % |
| List of polls | ||