One of the most interesting NHL Rumors to pop up in recent days pertains to a former Toronto Maple Leafs forward.
The Leafs tried to re-sign forward Bobby McMann before ultimately trading him to the Seattle Kraken. It was a tough, but necessary move.
As for McMann, he’s been a smashing hit in Seattle. Since joining the Kraken, he’s been on fire. The 29-year-old has four goals and six points in his first four games with the Kraken. That impressive fit has prompted a notable insider to muse about the possibility of McMann extending his engagement out West.
In his 32 Thoughts blog, insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the fit that McMann has been for the Kraken. He took his line of thinking a step further by musing about the possibility of McMann re-signing in Seattle, thus fueling NHL rumors.
“Bobby McMann has six points in three Seattle games. It’s early, but the Kraken crave scoring. A few years ago, the NHLPA successfully fought to erase trade compensation based on a player re-signing. This was the kind of trade a few years ago where you could have seen Toronto getting a first-rounder if McMann extended, but that’s no longer an option. You can see this marriage continuing, though. Coach Lane Lambert even smiled in a post-game media conference.”
That line of thinking could make plenty of sense for all sides. There’s no question that the Kraken need the scoring. Meanwhile, McMann has quickly earned his place in the team’s top six.
What Could a McMann Extension Look Like in Seattle?
The easy answer is that a Bobby McMann extension would be a long-term one in Seattle. One of the NHL rumors that popped up near the trade deadline was that McMann wanted a deal similar to the one the San Jose Sharks gave Kiefer Sherwood.
If that’s the case, McMann could be on track to land a five-year deal at around $5 million-plus. The Sharks gave Sherwood a five-year pact at $5.75 million AAV, which was a little higher than expected.
That deal was a little rich for the Maple Leafs’ blood. So, they were willing to pass on McMann and ship him to Seattle.
Would the Kraken follow through on NHL rumors and pay McMann? It seems likely. The team has been desperate for scoring, and they’ve seemingly found it in McMann. So, why beat around the bush?
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NHL Rumors to Focus on Kraken this Offseason
The Kraken are on a path to make the playoffs. If that’s the case, NHL rumors surrounding the Kraken will likely pick up once their season ends.
Those rumors should focus on what the club can do in free agency. The talk remains that Seattle is looking for more scoring. Additionally, the Kraken could be looking to move Shane Wright. That’s why there should be plenty for Seattle fans to keep an eye out for this summer.
It will be interesting to see which NHL rumors pop up in Seattle. But there’s no question the Kraken will be looking to be major players in the trade and free agent markets.
NHL Rumors: Former Maple Leaf Could Re-Sign with Kraken