Bobby McMann's Seattle emergence proves the Maple Leafs made a massive mistake
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Bobby McMann is instantly making the Toronto Maple Leafs regret their deadline decision, and Seattle Kraken head coach Lane Lambert is reaping the rewards.
The Maple Leafs gave away a proven 20-goal scorer. With six points in his first three games out West, the winger is tormenting defensemen.
The Kraken desperately crave scoring, and they found an incredible top-six bargain. McMann carries a microscopic $1.35 million cap hit.
Toronto shipped him out for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2027 second-rounder. That minimal return looks awful right now.
Over his NHL career, McMann had to fight for every inch. He went undrafted, grinded through the minors, and aggressively forced his way into the Show.
Now, he is driving the transition game every night. He uses his 217-pound frame to push to the blue paint and generate high-danger chances.
Seattle Robbed Toronto Blind in the Bobby McMann Deal
Lambert clearly trusts his newly acquired forward. They spent time together in Toronto last season, and that familiarity is paying off with solid execution.
The Kraken are deploying McMann directly alongside Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle. That top-line assignment has resulted in a massive jolt of offensive output.
Toronto is watching a player they developed score massive goals in another uniform. They inexplicably gave up a late bloomer during his peak production years.
With 22 goals and 37 points total this season, he is setting himself up for a financial payday. He hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
A few years ago, the NHLPA erased trade compensation based on a player re-signing. Toronto gets zero extra draft capital if Seattle locks him up.
Teams that showed serious interest in Matthew Knies included Anaheim, Chicago, Montreal, New Jersey and Utah. Everyone has denied that the Canadiens went far down the road, but we'll see. There were some teams who didn't believe the Maple Leafs were serious about it, but now recognize the possibility.
The Kraken have plenty of cap space. Expect this marriage to continue beyond the current Western Conference playoff push.
Lambert couldn't hide his smile post-game. The Maple Leafs made a mistake, and Seattle is happily cashing in.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
'Forget feelings': Trading Matthew Knies is the only way for the Leafs to win
'Forget feelings': Trading Matthew Knies is the only way for the Leafs to win
| POLL | ||
MARS 20|161 ANSWERS Bobby McMann's Seattle emergence proves the Maple Leafs made a massive mistake Will Bobby McMann sign a long-term extension in Seattle ? | ||
| Yes | 132 | 82 % |
| No | 29 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||