Maple Leafs Seek Trade Value for Veteran Forward McMann

29-year-old winger Bobby McMann could fetch a solid return for Toronto ahead of 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs this season and may look to trade some pending free agents to recoup value. One player the team could look to move is veteran forward Bobby McMann, who is having a strong season with 19 goals so far. At 29 years old, McMann could be an attractive rental option for contending teams looking to add scoring depth, and the Maple Leafs may be able to net a second-round pick or solid prospect in return.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are in a tight playoff race and may need to make some tough decisions at the trade deadline. Dealing McMann, who is on an expiring contract, could allow the team to recoup some draft capital or a promising young player to help their long-term outlook, even if it means parting with a productive forward in the short term.

The details

Bobby McMann has emerged as a reliable goal-scorer for the Maple Leafs over the past few seasons, netting 15 goals in 2023-24 and 20 last year. This season, he is third on the team with 19 goals, trailing only stars Auston Matthews and John Tavares. At 29 years old, McMann is in the prime of his career but is also on an expiring contract, making him a potential trade chip for the Leafs as they look to retool their roster.

  • The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is on March 6th.

The players

Bobby McMann

A 29-year-old forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is having a strong season with 19 goals so far.

Auston Matthews

The star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

John Tavares

The veteran center and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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What’s next

The Maple Leafs will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to trade McMann ahead of the March 6th deadline or hold onto him as they push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs face a difficult decision on whether to trade the productive but expiring-contract forward Bobby McMann for future assets, or keep him as they fight for a playoff berth. Either way, the team will need to be strategic at the trade deadline to improve their long-term outlook.