The NHL trade freeze during the Olympic break began on Wednesday at 3 PM ET and will last until February 22 at 11:59 PM, with the trade deadline set for 3 PM ET on March 6. As the Toronto Maple Leafs evaluate their playoff chances in the upcoming six games, forward Bobby McMann‘s future with the team is uncertain if management opts to sell assets. The Leafs’ head coach, Craig Berube, remains confident in the team’s performance so far this season.
Bobby McMann, an undrafted player out of Colgate University, initially signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate. He spent parts of the 2020-21 season with the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL and the AHL before making his NHL debut in the 2022-23 NHL season. McMann appeared in 10 games that season, recording one assist, and expanded his role the following year, participating in 56 games and tallying 24 points.
McMann solidified his spot in the NHL by the 2024-25 season, scoring 20 goals and contributing 14 assists. This 2025-26 campaign is shaping up to be his best yet, with 19 goals and 13 assists in 56 games. His contract carries an average annual value of $1.35 million, making him an affordable option relative to his rising production. As an unrestricted free agent after this season, McMann is expected to attract considerable interest if the Leafs decide to trade him.
Buffalo Sabres: Adding Firepower Amid a Playoff Drought
The Buffalo Sabres are one of the NHL’s hottest teams this season, carrying a 32-18-6 record and aiming to break their league-long playoff drought, which has lasted since the 2010-11 season. Their 14 consecutive missed playoff appearances rank as the second-longest drought in major North American sports, only behind the NFL’s New York Jets, who have missed the playoffs for 15 seasons. The Sabres now face the dilemma of whether to push for a playoff spot or start preparing for the future.
A trade for McMann would most likely be a short-term rental move. Buffalo projects to have only about $14 million in cap space this summer, but with pending free agent Alex Tuch expected to command roughly $10 million, the team might find it difficult to retain McMann after this season. Despite this, Buffalo possesses valuable draft picks and promising prospects that could help make such a deal possible.
McMann’s addition would provide a boost to Buffalo’s middle-six forward lines. Slotting him on the left wing of the third line alongside Josh Doan, who boasts 18 goals and 21 assists this season, would create two potent scoring threats. Alternatively, McMann could temporarily replace Peyton Krebs on the top line until Zach Benson returns, enhancing the Sabres’ depth across multiple lines.
Besides offense, McMann’s two-way play would enhance Buffalo’s defensive efforts. The Sabres currently sit 14th in the NHL for goals allowed per game. McMann’s low expected goals against per 60 minutes points to his reliability in limiting opponent scoring chances, representing an added benefit for a team pushing hard to reach the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers Eye McMann as Valuable Scoring Addition
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in adding Bobby McMann to their roster. Being from Wainwright, Alberta, only two hours from Edmonton, McMann fits geographically and stylistically with the Oilers’ needs. Although Edmonton is currently close to its salary cap limit, McMann’s affordable contract makes a move plausible.
Offensively, the Oilers rank fourth in the NHL in goals per game, but their scoring is heavily concentrated. Over half of the team’s 198 goals have come from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and defenseman Evan Bouchard. Beyond these top scorers, Jack Roslovic on the third line leads other point producers. Adding McMann could provide additional firepower alongside Draisaitl on the second line or supply the third line with a strong scoring threat, significant for maintaining depth in the playoffs.
McMann’s straight-line speed is elite, placing him in the 99th percentile, with only McDavid surpassing him. His skating ability supports his physical style, allowing him to contribute defensively by backchecking aggressively and delivering hits. With 126 hits this season, McMann would rank third in hits among Oilers players. This combination of speed, physicality, and scoring makes McMann a valuable asset fitting Edmonton’s needs.
Los Angeles Kings Seeking Support to Counter Edmonton’s Powerhouse
The Los Angeles Kings have aggressively pursued talent to strengthen their Stanley Cup odds, most notably acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers before the Olympic break. In recent playoff appearances, the Kings’ inability to match Edmonton’s scoring and slow down Connor McDavid has been a decisive factor in their elimination.
Bringing McMann into the Kings’ lineup could help address this issue. His speed and physical play make him well-suited to shadow McDavid, a critical matchup the Kings have yet to neutralize effectively. Positioned on the third line alongside players like Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko, McMann could both defend against McDavid and spearhead counterattacks.
While it is unrealistic to completely contain McDavid’s offensive impact, curbing his influence could critically improve Los Angeles’ chances to advance deeper in the playoffs and challenge for the Stanley Cup this season.
McMann’s Trade Potential and Implications for Teams
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, several teams are evaluating their options to reinforce their rosters. Bobby McMann’s versatile skill set, combining consistent scoring, speed, and defensive responsibility, has placed him on the radars of contending teams like Buffalo, Edmonton, and Los Angeles.
Each prospective destination presents different strategic advantages. Buffalo could leverage McMann to end a historic playoff drought, Edmonton could enhance its offensive depth behind elite scorers, and Los Angeles could utilize McMann to better contain one of their fiercest playoff rivals.
Given McMann’s projected unrestricted free agent status after the season, the Maple Leafs may prioritize maximizing trade value. Teams looking to make a strong postseason push are expected to weigh the balance between immediate impact and post-season contract commitments when pursuing McMann.
