As the Toronto Maple Leafs enter the Olympic break, trade rumors swirl around forward Bobby McMann, with the Edmonton Oilers emerging as a potential suitor. The team faces a decision similar to the one that saw Zach Hyman depart for Edmonton in 2021. Meanwhile, young players like Matias Maccelli are showing promise, complicating roster choices ahead of the deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are using the Olympic break to contemplate their strategy as the NHL trade deadline approaches. General manager Brad Treliving must decide whether to buy, sell, or stand pat to bolster playoff chances. Central to the discussions is Bobby McMann, a 29-year-old pending unrestricted free agent who has recorded 19 goals in 56 games this season, on pace for a career-high in points.
McMann's situation draws parallels to Zach Hyman, who left Toronto at age 29 after posting 15 goals and 33 points in an injury-plagued season, following two 21-goal campaigns. Hyman signed a seven-year, $5.5 million AAV contract with the Edmonton Oilers, where he has thrived, scoring 27, 36, and 54 goals in his first three seasons. As an Alberta native who grew up idolizing the Oilers, McMann could follow a similar path. Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman prefers players with contract term over short-term rentals, making a deadline deal for McMann—a rental—challenging, though the Oilers might pursue him in free agency.
According to Elliotte Friedman on The Fan Hockey Show, the Leafs have informed other teams they are "considering some things that we didn’t think we’d have to consider," with reports indicating Toronto seeks a first-round draft pick for McMann. The team, viewed as sellers despite a recent winning streak, delayed a potential trade before the Olympic roster freeze in hopes of a better offer. Failing to sign or trade him risks McMann walking away, potentially to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton.
Elsewhere, Matias Maccelli has emerged as a steady contributor since arriving in Toronto. Injuries opened opportunities, leading to two goals against Edmonton and three points in his last two games. Coached by Craig Berube, Maccelli's line with John Tavares and William Nylander is gaining chemistry, producing points effectively. Analysts suggest trading him now would be a mistake given his team-friendly cost and growing reliability.
Defenseman Marshall Rifai, 27, has returned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies after one NHL appearance—9:40 of ice time against the Vancouver Canucks on January 31—where he had four assists in 12 games. With three career NHL games, Rifai aims to develop further during the break amid Toronto's injury issues.
The break provides respite, but the coming weeks will clarify the Leafs' direction, balancing trades, development, and postseason aspirations.
