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Bobby McMann’s Heater Has Kraken Talking Big Extension

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 11:06 AM ET

There’s no other way to say it — Bobby McMann has made himself some money. Not long ago, he was trying to hang onto a spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs, bouncing around the lineup, never quite settling in one place. Then he lands in Seattle, and suddenly the game looks a whole lot easier.

Seven goals in eight games will get people’s attention in a hurry. But it’s not just the goals. It’s the way he’s playing — direct, physical, getting pucks to the net, not overthinking things. That kind of run doesn’t just help your team. It changes how managers look at you.

Could McMann Return to Toronto? Yes, But Why?

Now, about a return to Toronto… sure, you can never say never. But let’s be honest here — it feels like one of those situations where both sides needed the split. The Maple Leafs had their chance to figure him out and never really carved out a consistent role for him. That’s not even a knock; it’s just the reality of a roster with a lot of moving parts. Sometimes a player needs a different kind of opportunity, and that’s exactly what McMann found.

And once a player finds that fit somewhere else, teams don’t usually circle back and pay to fix something they already moved on from.

Seattle Does Make Perfect Sense for McMann

Seattle, on the other hand, makes a ton of sense. They’ve seen it up close now. They know how he fits. They’re using him in a way that actually plays to his strengths instead of trying to squeeze him into something he’s not. That matters — probably more than we give it credit for.

There’s also the human side of it. McMann’s an Alberta guy, and being out West isn’t nothing. Shorter travel, familiar time zones, closer to home. Players don’t always say it out loud, but it factors in. Sometimes a guy will take a little less to stay in a situation that feels right.

The Kraken have already talked to McMann’s people and they are interested in a possible contract extension. Whether that gets done this season or right as the campaign ends, watch for speculation to pick up on that front.

What Might McMann Get on the Open Market?

Now here’s where it gets interesting — what’s he actually worth? There were earlier projections under $3 million floating around. But that feels a bit light now. That’s the number you throw out before a heater like this. Once a player shows he can finish, play heavy, and not look out of place doing it, you’re into a different conversation.

A short-term “prove it” deal still might make sense, but it probably starts closer to the low 3s now. Something in that $3 to $3.5 million range on a one- or two-year deal feels about right — a bet on himself, with enough money to reflect what he’s doing right now.

If Seattle (or another team) really buys in and wants to lock in the role, you could see it creep north of $4 million on a longer deal. Maybe that $4-$4.25 range. That’s the kind of number that says, “We think he’s the real deal.”

The risk, of course, is the term. A hot stretch is great, but teams still want to see it over time. That’s why the shorter deal might actually be the smarter play. Keep the role, keep producing, and the next contract is the big one.

Whatever, McMann Has Flipped the Script in All Sorts of Ways

The bottom line is that McMann has flipped the script on himself in a matter of weeks. He’s no longer fighting for a spot; he’s negotiating from a position of strength. He looks like a top-six player with Seattle. And that feels like the cleanest fit, and staying out West just makes life easier.

But the biggest change is this: he’s gone from “useful depth piece” to “player you plan around a little bit.” And that’s where the money starts to change.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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