Maple Leafs Avoid Potential $25 Million Mistake in Bobby McMann Trade

Toronto dealt the pending free agent to the Seattle Kraken, potentially saving big money down the line.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:51pm

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The Toronto Maple Leafs traded forward Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken at the NHL trade deadline, avoiding a potentially risky long-term contract extension for the player. McMann was reportedly seeking a 5-year, $5 million per year deal, but there are questions about whether he is worth that kind of commitment given his late-blooming career and lack of playoff production.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs have struggled to manage their salary cap in recent years, so avoiding a potential $25 million contract for a player with uncertain long-term value could prove to be a savvy move. The trade allows the Leafs to recoup assets while letting the Kraken take on the risk of re-signing McMann.

The details

Before the trade, reports indicated McMann was seeking a 5-year, $5 million per year contract extension from the Maple Leafs. However, hockey analyst Matt Larkin questioned whether that would be a "trap" for any team, noting McMann's late development, lack of playoff production, and the fact he'll be 30 years old before signing his next deal.

  • The Maple Leafs traded McMann to the Seattle Kraken at the 2026 NHL trade deadline on March 13, 2026.

The players

Bobby McMann

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who was traded to the Seattle Kraken at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

Matt Larkin

A hockey analyst who questioned whether a long-term, high-value contract for McMann would be a "trap" for any team.

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What they’re saying

“Before the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him at the deadline last week, reports indicated McMann was seeking a contract in the range of five years at $5 million per. Would a deal like that represent a trap for anyone looking to sign him? He possesses a tantalizing mix of speed and size, but he bloomed so late that he'll already turn 30 before signing his next deal. He was also invisible during the playoffs last year, failing to score a goal in 13 games. A successful playoff run with the Kraken – assuming they get in – would do wonders for McMann's value.”

— Matt Larkin, Hockey Analyst

What’s next

The Kraken will have the opportunity to evaluate McMann's performance down the stretch and in the playoffs, which could impact their decision on whether to sign him to a long-term extension before he hits free agency.

The takeaway

By trading Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken, the Toronto Maple Leafs avoided potentially locking themselves into a risky long-term, high-value contract for a player with uncertain long-term value. This move allows the Leafs to manage their salary cap more effectively while letting the Kraken take on the risk of re-signing McMann.