The Edmonton Oilers have a clear need as the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches; scoring depth. Whether that be a top-nine winger or a player who is able to anchor their third line centre spot, the team needs to increase their depth scoring.
The issue facing the Oilers right now is that there are many players available but the club needs someone who will fit into their current structure. They recently dodged a bullet by skipping out on acquiring forward Kiefer Sherwood.
There is one name that has floated around in recent days from a Canadian rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs are in the midst of a downward spiral, having lost six in a row and are on track to miss the playoffs altogether this season. They are freefalling and may be forced to take a step back and reassess their club's position.
This may lead them to sell off pending unrestricted free agents and those on expiring contracts. Of the pending free agents on the Leafs roster, one stands out above the rest; Bobby McMann. He has alos found himself linked to the Oilers in recent days during a conversation between NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer on an episode of Oilers Now.
Oilers could acquire Maple Leafs forward
A late bloomer in every sense of the word, McMann was signed to a minor league deal to join the Maple Leafs farm system in the 2020-21 season at 24 years old. This came after a relatively underwhelming career with Colgate University of the NCAA where he was well under a point-per-game all four years. However, he impressed the Leafs management enough to earn himself an NHL contract at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season to start the following year.
That following season, mcMann would make his NHL debut, first becoming a full-time NHL player the year after in 2023-24 scoring 24 points (15 goals, nine assists) in 56 games played. This year is McMann's best in his career, notching 17 goals and 12 assists for 29 points in 53 games for the Leafs.
He has also been able to make himself a useful complimentary winger throughout the top-nine, most recently carving out a role alongside star and captain Auston Matthews. This versatility to play a variety of roles and up and down the lineup make him an ideal candidate for the Oilers to consider.
As well, McMann currently carries a caphit of $1.35 million, a very manageable number for the Oilers to fit into their payroll. If the cost of acquiring McMann is right, it would make sense for the club to reunite with an Alberta-born winger.
Using the aforementioned recent trade between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks for a pending UFA in Sherwood as a measuring stick with a prospect and two second round picks as the price tag, it makes a McMann deal even more appealing. It is likely that McMann would come in slightly below Sherwood's cost which would make him even more desirable.
However, it is hard to guess with the market, especially as it starts to squeeze and the available players start to dwindle. If McMann is available and the price is right, the Oilers should be in talks and will hopefully acquire him to shore up their wings.