McMann is a strong candidate to be moved at this year’s deadline. A pending unrestricted free agent with a $1.35 million cap hit, this is the type of player that many teams would want for a playoff run, due to McMann’s size, offensive ability and cheap price tag. Through 56 games, McMann has recorded 19 goals and 13 assists, two points off the career high of 34 points the 29-year-old set last year.
On January 19, the San Jose Sharks acquired Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for two second-round draft picks, one in 2026 and again the following year in 2027 and American Hockey League defenceman Cole Clayton. Sherwood, like McMann, is also a pending UFA at season’s end and could be a starting point for what the Maple Leafs put McMann’s price tag at.
Closing in on a second straight 20-goal season, McMann is one of the most appealing trade chips the soon-to-be retooling Leafs have to cash in. He skates extremely well for a man of his size, is unafraid to take the body and get in on the forecheck, and has authored a great story of perseverance – going undrafted before working his way up from the ECHL. McMann also carries the unofficial distinction of having the most team-friendly contract among players available at this deadline, which will be important to contenders as the NHL institutes a playoff salary cap for the first time. Add it together and it’s going to be tough for Toronto to justify hanging onto him. -Johnston
Benoit comes with an extra year of control for teams looking to add more than just a rental for this upcoming postseason. The 27-year-old has a cap hit of $1.35 for this season and next, making Benoit a cheap option for teams that desire him as an addition to their club. Through 49 games played, Benoit has recorded three assists and a minus-five rating. The Maple Leafs leader in hits with 128, Benoit doesn’t shy away from any opportunity to make his presence felt physically on any given night.
A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts. -Johnston
Johnston also listed Scott Laughton and Calle Järnkrok as potential options to be moved, as both players are also on expiring contracts and are UFAs at season’s end. Laughton has recorded eight goals and three assists through 39 games played, with a cap hit of $1.5 million. Järnkrok has appeared in 37 games, posting six goals and one assist, while making $2.1 million.