NHL Rumors: Unexpected Trade Talks Emerge Between Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators – What Could It Mean?

As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves navigating a precarious position—seven points shy of the final wild-card berth with multiple teams breathing down their neck. It’s a tightrope walk between chasing a playoff spot and maintaining valuable draft capital, especially since they owe their 2026 first-round pick to Boston, albeit with top-five protection. Amidst this uncertainty, Bobby McMann has emerged as a tantalizing asset at just $1.35 million cap hit, boasting 18 goals and 31 points over 55 games this season. With many top-tier draft picks already traded away by contenders, the Leafs might have to set their sights on a deal resembling what the Vancouver Canucks secured for Kiefer Sherwood—a package featuring a couple of second-round picks and a lower-tier prospect. The upcoming moves will undoubtedly shape the Leafs’ immediate future and long-term prospects.

Meanwhile, down in Nashville, the Predators, still on the playoff bubble, are keeping all options open under Barry Trotz’s watchful eye, signaling a broader strategic approach as they hunt for a new GM.

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Can the Toronto Maple Leafs get a couple of second-rounders for Bobby McMann? A first?

TSN: Chris Johnston said on TSN Radio 1050 on the First Up show that it’s more than likely that the Toronto Maple Leafs will be sellers at the deadline. They’re seven points out of the last wild-card spot with several teams to pass.

They owe the Boston Bruins their 2026 first-round pick, but it’s top-five protected. They’ll likely be stuck in the middle of being in a playoff spot and drafting in the top five.

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Johnston added that Bobby McMann will generate interest, especially at his $1.35 million cap hit. He’s at 18 goal and 31 points in 55 games this season. There are several first-round picks that have already been traded by contending teams, so the Leafs may be to look a package similar to what the Vancouver Canucks got for Kiefer Sherwood – two second-round picks and lower prospect.

Everything is on the table for the Nashville Predators

TSN: Barry Trotz is still going to be running the Nashville Predators trade deadline, as the organization searches for it’s next GM. They’re not in a playoff position but they are still pushing for a spot. Trotz said at his press conference yesterday that they would look at the present and the future.

“I’ve got to listen to everything. We’re not in the playoffs right now, so I’ve got to listen to everything. I owe that to both the gentleman next to me (chairman Bill Haslam) and our fan base, and anybody who is a fan of the Predators.

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I have to look at everything. And I’m going to look at it from now, and I’m going to look at it from the future. So, everything’s on the table.”

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