Bobby McMann, Toronto Maple Leafs (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Grading the Maple Leafs & Kraken’s Bobby McMann Trade

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 3:50 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made their first move of Trade Deadline Day. After a very quiet start to the day, they have agreed to send forward Bobby McMann to the Seattle Kraken. This is a well liked player within the locker room, who now gets a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup with his new club.

McMann has sat out for the Maple Leafs for the past two games for trade related reasons, which was a sign that he was going to be traded today. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a path for them to reach an extension at this time. However, just because he was traded it doesn’t rule out the potential of a reunion with Toronto this summer.

Full Trade:

Maple Leafs receive:

2027 2nd Round Pick
2026 4th Round Pick

Seattle Kraken receive:

Bobby McMann

Maple Leafs Acquire More Draft Capital

Trade Grade: B+

The Maple Leafs’ deadline plan was clear. They wanted to part with some of their unrestricted free agents (UFA) and bring back more draft capital. Unfortunately, it’s tough to see a player like McMann go, but they were able to get a few picks back in return. The second-round pick in this trade is more than likely going to be used to flip to acquire someone else this summer rather than being used in the draft. That said, the fourth in the upcoming NHL Draft can be used to draft a mid-draft gem that could help make a difference in the next handful of years.

Ideally, the Maple Leafs would have gotten a first-round pick or two seconds rather than just a second and fourth. However, when the deadline nears, teams start to budge on their initial asking price, and that is what has happened with the McMann deal. That said, parting with players like Nicolas Roy and McMann allows the Maple Leafs to potentially fall lower in the draft lottery and keep their first-round pick that the Boston Bruins currently have.

Kraken Land Great Middle-Six Forward in McMann

Trade Grade: A-

The Kraken acquired a very good forward in McMann. He has really come out of his shell this season and showed just how good he can be when given a bigger role. He has spent most of the season within the Maple Leafs’ top six and has 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points in 60 games while averaging 15:19 time on ice. He now becomes an extremely valuable secondary forward with his new club, where he could easily slide into their top six and make an impact.

He may not be overly familiar with the players on the team. However, he knows their coach Lane Lambert very well from his time behind the Maple Leafs’ bench. That should make his transition to his new team easier since he knows how Lambert runs things. More importantly, the Kraken were looking to add a scoring winger to help them push for the playoffs, and they got that with McMann. As mentioned above, he has 19 goals and likely will end the season with around 25. That is a great addition for a second and fourth-round pick.