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Maple Leafs learn what Bobby McMann can return in a trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may want to pick and choose on the trade market a bit.
But the reality is that one of their most intriguing assets to anyone buying before the NHL deadline is likely to be Bobby McMann.
And for the Maple Leafs, if they are indeed selling, it makes sense to see just what they can get in return for the winger.
Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin sees it as quite the valuable opportunity.
"McMann is likely close to his peak value and could return a second- or even first-round pick given his unique size/speed package," Larkin writes.
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Larkin does recognize why Leafs fans may want to hold onto McMann. He just doesn't see it as quite the legitimate concern it might appear at first glance.
"I can understand if some Leaf fans feel trepidation over the idea of cashing out McMann," Larkin writes. "A tenacious, late-blooming left winger going to market at 29 years old sounds a lot like Zach Hyman. But Hyman’s career trajectory is the exception, not the norm."
The reality is that McMann will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, potentially commanding $5 million per year, probably set to leave Toronto anyway.
Right now, he's a valuable trade asset, just a $1.35 million cap hit for the season, opening him up to be acquired by pretty much any contender.
The Maple Leafs may hold tight until right before the deadline, just in case a turnaround starts to seem possible.
But if, and when, Toronto decides to sell, there isn't enough reason to hold McMann. As long as the offer is an early-round draft pick or better, the Leafs should go for it.
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