Leafs–Oilers trade talks are gaining traction, and a deal could land before the roster freeze
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
There's some serious traction growing on a Bobby McMann trade to the Oilers and a new report shows it could happen much sooner than anticipated.
With the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs playing on Tuesday night, it's one of the last games of the season before teams take a break thanks to the 2026 Olympics.
There's been a lot of noise between the two teams recently thanks to reports that the Oilers are interested in Bobby McMann, and that Edmonton themselves might want to trade a player who piques Brad Treliving's interest.
Mangiapane's lineup placement essentially an audition for the Maple Leafs
However we could be getting closer to a deal between the two, and Tuesday's game has a lot to do with it.
According to a report from Jim Matheson; Oilers reporter, the Oilers and Maple Leafs are discussing a deal that would see Bobby McMann head to Edmonton while Andrew Mangiapane and multiple draft picks head to Toronto:
Mangiapane in for Leafs is so Toronto can see if they are really interested in him in a trade. Yeah, yeah we’ve heard McMann for Mangiapane if Oilers attach draft picks for Andrew’s second contract year.
Mangiapane has been rumoured to be on the outs, and with the Maple Leafs pursuing him earlier this summer, it makes sense he's involved.
It would be really unfortunate for Toronto to lose McMann especially since he's been such a bright spot, but with the team needing to get assets back for a retool -- they have to sell high on him.
Toronto has to come to a decision quickly
There was talks he could even pull a first-round pick out of a team, and while it might not be a guaranteed addition, if McMann has a strong game on Tuesday then Edmonton may feel the need to overpay a little bit more (especially since Toronto is taking on double the money).
It may also be a case of the Maple Leafs and McMann being unable to come to terms on a new deal and with him looking for a pay raise, Toronto has to be careful not to overpay for a soon to be 30 year old with only two good seasons.
If the money isn't worth it, then they should cut their losses and maximize the return from whoever picks him up. This is a team who needs assets and can't afford to sell low on any of their players.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3|1049 ANSWERS Leafs–Oilers trade talks are gaining traction, and a deal could land before the roster freeze Should the Maple Leafs trade Bobby McMann to the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 492 | 46.9 % |
| No | 557 | 53.1 % |
| List of polls | ||