“Tuesday Felt Like An Audition” for Maple Leafs’ Winger in Edmonton

“Tuesday night sure felt like an audition for McMann in Edmonton,” writes Joshua Kloke of The Athletic. Following a 5-2 win by the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Oilers, McMann scored again, sealing the win for Toronto with an empty-net goal.

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Kloke adds, “…he was at his best against the Oilers, consistently showing his best attributes against a team that could use him in a possible trade. He won puck battles and created offence out for his skilled linemates. His speed was evident all over the ice. McMann hunted, but never cheated, for offence. His five shots on goal were the most of any Leaf.”

Everyone seems to know that something is coming in Toronto. The team appears to be selling ahead of today’s Olympic break freeze and then again before March 6th. McMann is the name being mentioned most often in Toronto. Even his teammates know the writing is on the wall.

“(McMann) has been flying, creating scoring chances from nothing,” William Nylander said. “It will be interesting to see what the (Leafs) decide to do. He’s in trade rumours because he would be a high value add for a team.”

The Maple Leafs aren’t all that far behind the Oilers in the overall NHL standings. However, their situation feels a lot different. They are in a tougher division and there’s a sense this is not Toronto’s year. “And that’s what makes McMann the kind of player who seems like a perfect fit for northern Alberta,” writes Kloke.

The Oilers Need the Kind of Player They Saw Tuesday Night in McMann

McMann is exactly the kind of player the Oilers could use, which was evident again on Tuesday. Edmonton was tied with Toronto 2-2 until a couple of untimely penalties put the Leafs up 5-on-3 for nearly two minutes. That was essentially the end of the game when the Leafs scored twice. Meanwhile, Andrew Mangiapane was benched in the second period for a turnover — a player the Oilers hoped would be a difference-maker in their top nine. The Oilers have a bottom-six problem and they rely far too heavily on their top stars, with the eventual concern that players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will be taxed and exhausted by the time the playoffs come.

Kloke adds, “Maybe McMann would work even higher up the Oilers lineup. His skills and versatility allow him to fit anywhere. Considering how well Zach Hyman fits in the Oilers’ lineup. McMann, a similar player, could fit just as well.” His $1.35 million cap hit doesn’t hurt, and the fact that he’s an Alberta kid suggests there’s a strong likelihood he’d be open to re-signing.

Kloke points out that the Oilers have premium draft capital, including second-round picks in each of the next three years and first-rounders in 2027 through 2029. If Toronto is willing to retain salary and spark a bidding war, landing a first-round pick for McMann isn’t unrealistic. With their prospect pool thin, Toronto’s deadline focus should be clear: replenishing the system with high picks and young assets.

Next: Oilers Situation With Mangiapane Takes Another Complicated Turn