Is the Bobby McMann Trade Cost Going to be More than Kiefer Sherwood’s?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly heading into full sell mode as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches. One of their biggest trade chips is Bobby McMann. According to some reports, there’s a belief he could fetch a first-round pick on the open market. Recently, Chris Johnston and James Mirtle discussed what they think the asking price might look like.

Here’s what they said:

“While most teams are looking for a centre over a winger, McMann is somewhat similar to Kiefer Sherwood, who fetched the Vancouver Canucks two second-round picks in a deal with the Sharks last week. One comparable trade from last year’s deadline was when Anthony Beauvillier went from Pittsburgh to Washington for a second-round pick. Others we canvassed believed the Leafs can potentially pull out a first-round pick in a McMann trade, given how thin the trade market could be.”

That has some fans wondering what the real difference is between a potential McMann trade and the Kiefer Sherwood deal. So, let’s look at whether McMann should actually be worth a first-round pick plus.

Why the Difference in Asking Prices?

On paper, there really isn’t much of a gap. McMann has 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points in 56 games. Sherwood has 17 goals and six assists for 23 points in 47 games. Statistically, they’re fairly close. Physically, Sherwood brings more. He has nearly 90 more hits and does a better job of getting under opponents’ skin. Where things start to separate, though, is roster fit on a contending team.

Sherwood was moved to the San Jose Sharks for two second-round picks. He’s likely to slot into the bottom six. He’s also rumoured to be looking for a contract in the $20–25 million range. If the Sharks can’t find a way to extend him, paying two second-round picks for a rental isn’t a terrible price.

McMann is a different case. He carries one of the lowest cap hits on the market at $1.35 million. He is currently playing on the Maple Leafs’ top line alongside Auston Matthews, where he’s held his own. McMann brings more than just physicality and depth scoring. There’s speed there, good hockey IQ, and he uses his size to make life difficult for opposing goaltenders.

McMann’s Cap Hit Helps the Price

Even though he’s a rental right now, his next deal likely comes in around the $3–3.5 million AAV range. That is still very manageable for most teams. Because of that, it does make sense for the Maple Leafs to be aiming high. Asking for a first-round pick and more isn’t unreasonable for a player who would see significant usage in the playoffs. Craig Berube has shown a lot of trust in McMann over the last few months, and he’s responded.

If he were moved to a team like his boyhood favourite, the Edmonton Oilers, you’d expect him to lean into that opportunity even more. There’d be a real chance for him to prove he can be an everyday top-six forward. If things break right, maybe he could even play alongside Connor McDavid.

Next: Signs Point to Oilers–Maple Leafs Trade Before the Deadline?