If you’ve watched the Colorado Avalanche recently, the glaring issue hasn’t been the superstars—it’s the supporting cast. The top line can only carry the mail for so long before exhaustion sets in. Enter the latest, most intriguing NHL trade rumor: The Avs are officially linked to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann.
According to NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic, Colorado is looking to beef up its middle-six, and McMann is circling their radar. But why him? If you click past the hype, the reality is that McMann offers the exact blend of blazing straight-line speed and a booming shot that fits perfectly into Jared Bednar’s up-tempo system. Even better? His super-reasonable cap hit. If Toronto retains a portion of his salary, it immediately unlocks Colorado’s front office to add another vital piece elsewhere before the deadline. But with the Edmonton Oilers also lurking, the Avs are staring down a costly bidding war to land their guy.
How Bobby McMann Upgrades the Colorado Avalanche Middle-Six
From an analytical standpoint, the Colorado Avalanche don’t just need warm bodies; they need players who can generate secondary scoring. When Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas step off the ice, the offensive pressure frequently dries up. McMann changes that dynamic. He is a north-south workhorse who isn’t afraid to put pucks on the net from high-danger areas.
In my years analyzing NHL rosters, this is the exact type of under-the-radar acquisition that wins Stanley Cups. You don’t always need a blockbuster name. Sometimes, you just need a reliable middle-six forward who can forecheck heavily, kill penalties if needed, and capitalize on rebounds. Because of his affordable contract, the Avs wouldn’t just be plugging a hole—they’d be maximizing their salary cap gymnastics to maintain flexibility for a potential Cup run.
The Trade Cost: What the Toronto Maple Leafs Want for McMann
Here is where the rubber meets the road. The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for McMann’s services. Will they get it? The market suggests McMann’s value might top out at two second-round picks, similar to the haul Kiefer Sherwood commanded last month.
However, there’s a massive catch for Colorado. The Avalanche have completely exhausted their 2026 draft capital from Cup-chasing in previous seasons. If they want to pull off this trade, they will have to dip deep into their 2027 draft picks. To make matters worse for GM Chris MacFarland, the Edmonton Oilers are intensely interested in McMann as well. When multiple contenders enter the sweepstakes, the asking price inevitably inflates. Colorado may very well be forced to hand over a first-rounder, or multiple seconds, simply to prevent McMann from landing with a Western Conference rival like Edmonton.
Find the Latest Colorado Avalanche News & Watch Live
Are you looking for the latest Colorado Avalanche news as the trade deadline approaches? Look no further. Make sure you bookmark nhltraderumor.com for all your breaking updates. Plus, don’t miss out on the action—join our exclusive NHL Playoff Hockey Pool for a chance to win massive cash prizes! Want to catch tonight’s game? Check out our daily guide on how to watch the Avs game on TV today right here on our website. Stay ahead of the game and sign up for our newsletter below.
The post Why Bobby McMann is the Colorado Avalanche’s Secret Trade Weapon appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
