The Colorado Avalanche are likely going to be an active buyer at this year’s trade deadline. The target will most certainly be depth pieces. While the Avs could stun fans with a massive deal like landing Artemi Panarin, a deal like that isn’t overly likely.
So, that situation could steer the club towards more affordable alternatives. We’ve already discussed players like Evander Kane, Andrew Peeke, and potentially someone like Ryan Lomberg.
But there’s one top-six winger who might hit the market, depending on the circumstances. That forward could be Toronto Maple Leafs’ winger Bobby McMann. The Maple Leafs remain in limbo. The club is fading, but management is still in denial about its ultimate fate. The Leafs are likely headed towards becoming sellers this trade deadline. And McMann, an impending UFA, could hit the market.
The chatter surrounding McMann is that the Edmonton Oilers and the LA Kings are looking into him. The Oilers, in particular, seem keen on landing the 29-year-old. But what if the Avalanche threw their hat into the ring?
Bringing McMann into the mix would give the Avalanche a solid middle-six winger. Although it’s worth noting that McMann has played with Auston Matthews on the Leafs’ top line. McMann has been solid, giving Matthews the worker bee he needs to help dig pucks and create some mayhem.
That situation sounds like something the Avalanche could use. Colorado needs more grit and a dose of toughness. McMann could slide into the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, or slide down the trough as needed. At times, McMann has played fourth-line minutes. So, there’s reason to believe he could become a jack-of-all-trades.
Acquisition cost for McMann won’t likely be cheap
As for the acquisition cost, McMann won’t likely come cheap. The Maple Leafs will want to maximize their return on the undrafted forward. That said, the Avalanche would do well to avoid overpaying. Anything beyond a mid-round draft pick and potentially a mid-level prospect should suffice.
Perhaps multiple mid-round picks might get the job done. However, if the Avalanche find themselves in a bidding war, the best course of action may be to avoid getting involved altogether.
For the right price, Bobby McMann could be a fantastic depth piece for Colorado. Ideally, landing him for, say, a third-round pick would be great. Perhaps swapping him for a younger piece like Zakhar Bardakov might make sense.
Ultimately, it all depends on the Maple Leafs making McMann available and what his price tag could be. Chatter regarding the Avalanche’s trade deadline plans should pick up during the Olympics. The next couple of weeks will certainly be an interesting time.