The 2026 NHL trade deadline is just about here, as it is now only five days away. With this, trade talks around the NHL are only going to continue to pick up. One team that all fans should be watching leading up to the deadline is the Detroit Red Wings, as they are in a great position to be major buyers.
According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings currently have just under $60 million of deadline cap space. They also have a strong enough prospect pool that they are in a position to deal picks for immediate upgrades. Furthermore, with the Red Wings looking to break their nine-year playoff drought and being in a tight race in the Eastern Conference, now is the time for them to be aggressive.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are setting themselves up to be sellers. They are continuing to worsen their playoff hopes, as they have now lost each of their last three games and seven out of their last 10. This has them eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
With how this season has gone for the Maple Leafs, several of their players are being discussed as trade candidates. Bobby McMann is the most notable, and he is a player whom the Red Wings should strongly consider pursuing.
Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that has the Maple Leafs sending McMann to the Red Wings in an Atlantic Division swap.
Red Wings Get:
- Bobby McMann
Maple Leafs Get:
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2028 Second-Round Pick
Maple Leafs’ McMann is Prime Trade Candidate to Watch
With McMann being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) and the Maple Leafs not holding a playoff spot, he has been generating a ton of chatter as a trade candidate. Due to this, he was included on Chris Johnston’s latest trade board for The Athletic.
“Closing in on a second straight 20-goal season, McMann could still have a future in Toronto if a contract extension can be worked out. The Leafs certainly haven’t closed the door on that possibility. But he also represents an appealing trade chip for them to play if they pivot toward a retool,” Johnston wrote.
If the Maple Leafs are unable to sign McMann to a contract extension, the Red Wings should strongly consider pursuing him. When looking at their roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another impactful middle-six forward who scores and throws the body. Acquiring McMann would provide them with just that.
McMann’s ability to play both wings would also allow the Red Wings to slot him in multiple spots in their lineup. This would make him a valuable addition to a Red Wings club that needs more offense.
Maple Leafs’ McMann Will Have Several Suitors
While the Red Wings stand out as a prime potential landing spot for McMann, the same can be said for just about every other contender in the NHL. Not only is he a 20-goal threat who provides an edge, but he also has a bargain $1.35 million cap hit. With this, there should be several teams calling the Maple Leafs about him.
McMann is also having a strong season. In 59 games this season with Toronto, he has 19 goals, 32 points, and 133 hits. This is after he had 20 goals, 34 points, and 136 hits in 74 games last season.
With the Red Wings needing another impactful forward, they should consider targeting McMann if he is made available. It will be interesting to see if they do that from here.
Red Wings Trade Pitch Lands Maple Leafs 20-Goal Forward