Bobby McMann isn’t letting trade rumors get in his head as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Maple Leafs forward opened up Monday about the speculation swirling around his future in Toronto.
“That’s hard to put into words,” McMann said. “I’m not really trying to speculate about leaving. I just want to battle here.”
The 29-year-old has become a key piece for the Leafs this season, putting up an impressive 19 goals and 13 assists in 59 games. For a middle-six center, those are numbers that turn heads.
His success couldn’t come at a more interesting time. McMann is in the final year of his contract, carrying a $1.35 million cap hit.
Last week, reports surfaced that Toronto was working on a new deal with McMann. The Edmonton Oilers have also shown interest in the Canadian forward.
But nothing’s set in stone yet.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shed some light on the situation Saturday: “The fact that he’s still a Maple Leaf tells me there’s nothing out there that they would trade him for at this point in time. We’ll see where it goes over the next six days, but I’m told that one could go in either direction.”
McMann’s value to Toronto is clear. He’s provided crucial depth scoring behind stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
For now, McMann’s keeping things simple. “It’s been fun my whole career here, working my way into the NHL and getting this opportunity,” he said. “I want to make the most of it and continue to put my best effort forward no matter the situation.”
With the trade deadline just days away, all eyes are on what moves the Leafs might make – and whether McMann will remain part of their plans.
